History of the town of Whately, Mass., including a narrative of leading events from the first planting of Hatfield: 1661-1899

BOSTOIN^
PUBLIC
UBRARY

%f^

■■'1

m

J'^oyy^^^ uk,

HISTORY

OF THE

Town of Whatei^v, Mass

INCLUDING A NARRATIVE OF LEADING EVENTS FROM
THE FIRST PLANTING OF HATFIELD;

1661—1899,

AS REVISED AND ENLARGED

By JAMES M. CRAFTS,

WITH FAMILY GENEALOGIES.

PRINTED FOR THE TOWN

BY D. L. CRANDALL, JIANN'S BLOCK, ORANGE, MaSS.

1899.

74

V

Entered according to Act of Congress, in 1899,
The History of Whately,

Revised and Enlarged

By JAMES M. CRAFTS,

in the Office of the Librarian of Congress.

PREFACE.

When we undertake to gather all of practical interest, as
well as what will give us a more realistic view of the noble men
and women who were pioneers in ^he settlement of the north
part of Hatfield, now the town of Whately, we can but be im-
pressed with the importance of the work we undertake, and
wonder at the paucity of the materials at our disposal. But the
many years of labor and painstaking investigation leads us to
give to our town — the place of our birth — among its people we
were reared and spent the greater portion of our life, the results
of our labors.

We here give the salient portion of Mr. Temple's prefatory
remarks, fully endorsing what he has said so well: —

"Somewhat isol-ated in position, and with nothing of nat-
ural advantages to attract notice — except the quiet beauty, and
rich variety, and broad expanse of landscape, as seen from the
central village and the hills lying westerly — Whately has held
claim to no special distinction among her neighbors. But the
public spirit of her people, and the generous liberality displayed
in arranging and carrying out to a successful issue the com-
memoration of her centenary, and in providing for the preserva-
tion of her annals in the printed volume, are worthy of imitation
by the other towns in the Commonwealth. Records are perish-
able, and are often incomplete ; they are at best but the out-

lint-s: the filling up must come from personal reminiscences of
character and actions, and those incidental items of civil and
social affairs, which are transmitted b}' oral tradition, but with
enough of truth to explain the records, and enough of reality to
help the practical antiquar\- in giving a life-like picture of the
time of which he treats.

The territory comprising the town was included in, and for
one hundred }'ears, was a part of Hatfield. The histor_\- of the
colon\-. then, properly begins with some account of the mother
settlement. Whatever is characteristic of the growth is to be
found in the germ. What societ}' was in 1771 is a result of
causes preexisting, and working through the preceding genera-
tions ; hence, a sketch of leading events, from the first purchase
of these lands by the settlers from Connecticut, seemed neces-
sary to a clear understanding of any peculiarities of opinion,
and the domestic customs and religious faith of our fathers."

A few prefator}' remarks, relative to our revision of the
History and Genealogy of Whately, will be proper at the outset
of the work. In undertaking the revision of our Town History
and Genealogical records, I must needs say that I am pro-
foundly impressed with the importance of the work that is im-
posed upon me. It is with much trepidation that I undertake
the work of preparing the labor of years for the press. After
the issue of Mr. Temple's work, a widespread feeling of dissat-
isfaction was manifested by our townspeople. I need hardly
say that this feeling still exists, and hence, for this, and other
reasons, the Town desires me to commence the work at once.
In many respects I shall adopt the precise language of Mr.
Temple and quote page after page of what he has so well given.
Where I differ from him, I trust the people of W^hately will
iiive me the credit of a lifelong interest in the Town and its
History. For many years I have studied to get at basic facts
which underlie our early history. While I freely and gladly
indorse much of Mr. Temple's work, and reproduce it in these
pages, yet, in very many instances, we can but say that we
shall change radically some of his statements, as well as his

inferences, drawn from what he has stated as facts. The three
years that he spent in the early days of his ministn.- were insuf-
ficient to gather all of the truth pertaining to the multifarious
transactions of the people of our town, the location of many of
the roads, the names of various localities, the hills, brooks and
streams, the places where the settlements were first made, etc..
and allow me to say that my eighty-two years' experience will
fail to show that I am as fully posted as I ought to be to set
myself up as above mistakes. So I trust my readers will kindly
judge of my honesty of purpose in giving what I do. Since the
publication of our history by Mr. Temple, I have spent much
time in the investigation of our history and its genealogy, and
give to the public the results of my labors. For several years
that painstaking antiquary, Chester G. Crafts, was intimately
associated with me in this work. We carefully sur\'eyed and
measured much of the central and eastern portion of the town,
and only his untimely sickness and death preveiUed a continu-
ance of our work.

As soon as the histon,' was issued I commenced to correct
the errors, make additions, and arrange them as tl)ey were in-
tended, more particularly in the genealogical portion ot the
work. I had prepared this portion of the work and it was
agreed that I should correct the proof sheets. But in this I was
disappointed, as not a sheet was sent me. In the historical part
I had rendered such assistance as I could, furnishing many old
papers, and }et, venv' ftw were satisfied with either part of the
work. It is quite possible that cur enlarged work may tall
short of what may be expected b> my townspeople. The threat
majority of our townspeople are now, as in the past, engaged in
rural occupations. While I can say they are a people of whom
I feel proud, yet few have risen to celebrity, particularl}- while
remaining in town. Still a few of those who left town have
been in Congress, and one in the national cabinet, tut the>- and
their parents left our town, removed to the West and grew up
under a different regime, and freed from any old stigmas resting
on the family. It is right for me to say of some families that

left town, and New England as well, that the place of their res-
idence is unknown. I shall avail myself of every avenue where
information can be obtained. I freely acknowledge my indebt-
edness to Sheldon's History of Deerfield, Judd's History of
Hadley. The Crafts Families, the Bardwell Families and San-
dersons, both gathered by me, as well as the Graves' records,
in which I assisted in collecting.

I shall also reproduce a large portion of Mr. Temple's work
\'erbatim. Where I disagree with him I shall manfully say so,
and give m}- version of the matter. In the Ecclesiastical portion
I shall leave out many things like the confession of faith, the
covenant and some other things. All proper and right for a
histor}- of the church, but seemingly out of place in a town
history. I confess to a feeling of pride in the old Congrega-
tional church, its establishment in Whately and its influence for
good among our people. But this does not a^ord any reason for
inserting it entire in our town histon.'.

JAMES M. CRAFTS.
Orange. Mass., 1S99.

HISTORY OP WHATELY.

CHAPTER I.

INDIAN OWNERSHIP — PURCHASE BY PYNCHON AND THE HAD-

LEY COMPANY.

At the time of the proposed settlement of the part of the
vallev of the Connecticut River Ivin^ between the Mt. Holvoke
range on the south, and Sugar Loaf and Toby on the north,
this Tract was in the occupancy of the Norwottuck Indians, who
were a branch of the Nipnett or Nipmuck tribe, whose chief seat
was in the central part of the state.

The Nor\vottucks of the valley were divided into three prin-
cipal families, under three petty chiefs, viz. : Chickwallop.
Umpanchala and Quonquont. Each claimed ownership of the
lands lying for a distance on both sides of the river, and extend-
ing indefinitely east and west. Chickwallop held the lands pur-
chased by the Northampton planters and eastward. Umpan-
chala claimed on the Hadley side as far north as Mill River, and
on the Hatfield side from Northampton bounds to the upper side
of Great Meadow. Quonquont occupied from Umpanchala's
line to Mt. Wequomps, or Sugar Loaf, and Mt. Toby. North
of these was the territory of the Pocumtucks, or Deerfield Indi-
ans. Collectively, these were called the River Indians.

Each of these Indian families had its fort, its planting field
and its hunting grounds. The fort was located, for obvious
reasons, on a bluff, in some commanding position, and near a

stream or spring of water. It was constructed of palisades, or
poles about lo feet long set in the ground. Its size depended
on the la}' of the land and the necessities of each tribe, as their
wigwams were placed within the enclosure. The cornfield was
always close to the fort.

Quonquont. who claimed the lands now comprisng Whately
and eastward, had a strong fort on the east side of the Connecti-
cut, north of Mill River in Hadley. It was built on a ridge that
separates the east and west School Meadows, and enclosed about
an acre of ground. His cornfield, of sixteen to twenty acres,
was in the upper meadow. This fort was abandoned some time
before the attack on Quaboag.

The principal fort of Umpanchala was on the high bank of
the Connecticut near the mouth of Half-way Brook, between
Northampton and Hatfield. This fort was occupied by the tribe
till the night of August 24, 1675, and was the last fortified dwell-
ing place held by the Indians in this part of the valley. The
planting field of this family was the "Chickons," or Indian
Hollow, in Hatfield South Meadow.

The Indian's home in this valley was then, what it still
remains, a scene of abundance and beauty. The mountains
reared their bold heads towards the sky for grandeur and de-
fence ; the hills, clothed in their primeval forests of variegated
hues, arrested the showers, and poured down their tributes in
little rivulets, whose path was marked by green verdure and
brilliant flowers ; the annual overflow of the great river made
the valley fat and fertile. Yet these natural advantages appear
to have been of small account with the natives. So far as we
can judge, convenience and necessit}' alone influenced them in
the selection. The furs and flesh of animals, and the fish of the
streams, met most of their ordinary wants; grass was of no ac-
count ; and even the corn which their women raised was a kind
of surplus for emergencies, to be relied on in the scarcity of
game and the event of war.*

The Indian was a savage, with the instincts and ideas of a
savage ; and he estimated things accordingly. Personal ease
and sensual gratification was his highest happiness •,\he pursuit
of game was his excitement; war was his highest am'c'ition and
field of glory ; and outside of ^these he had nothing lO love^and

*Josselyn, Voyages, says: "They [the Indians] beat the Corn to
powder and put it into bags, which they make use of when stonnie
weather or the like will not suifer them to look out for other food."

nothing to live for. All these local advantages he had here ;
and war with some rival tribe was always at his option.

The red man had long been the occupant of the territory.
And he seems to have understood perfectly the validity of his
title to these lands by right of possession. Why then — the
question will naturally arise — was the Indian so ready to part
with his title, and transfer his right to the new comers? The
general answer is, because he was a man and a savage. There
is a strange fascination accompaning a higher order of intelli-
gence, and the power inherent to enlightened intellect, which is
irresistible to the untutored child of nature. He looks up with
a\we, and instinctly yearns for companionship with that higher
life. To his apprehension it is allied with the supernatural :
and partakes of the potent, if not the omnipotent. And, aside
from any veneration, he sees the advantage every way of civili-
zation ; and the manhood in him rises up in hope and expecta-
tion. His ideas may be vague as to results to accrue, but he
anticipates some great advantage; he expects to become a par-
taker of that which draws and inspires. It is only wlien, by
actual contact and contrast, he discovers and comes to feel his
inferiority, and his moral w-eakness, as compared with civilized
man, that he becomes jealous of him ; and the jealousy ripens
into hatred ; and the hatred ripens into hostility. No doubt acts
of injustice and wrong aggravate the jealousy, and hasten the
conflict. But civilized and savage life can never coalesce. There
is inherent antagonism which necessitates a conflict. And in
the struggle the weaker must yield to the stronger. .And
strength lies not in numbers, but in resources ; the courage
which conquers is moral rather than physical. Thus the two
orders of society cannot exist together ; one must yield and flee,
or become subordinate and be absorbed in the other.

In selling their lands to the settlers, the Indians in this val-
ley expected to be, and believed that they were the true gainers
by the bargain. The-y reserved all the rights and privileges
that were of any real value to them ; and calculated on receiv-
ing advanta'^es from the skill and traffic of the whites, as well as
those indf ^nite, perhaps imaginary- advantages, to which I have
allud(.J. Cr.e reason why the River Indians were anxious to
sell, at the particular time when the whites came to the valley,
was their fear of the Mohawks from the Hudson, who were
threatening a war of extermination — just as. sixteen years later,
the Pocumtucks and Norwottucks planned a war of extermina-

8

tion against the whites, whom they now so cordially welcomed.

The Hadley Planters. The company that formed the
original Hadley plantation, covering lands on both sides of the
river, was from Connecticut. Their first step was to obtain
leave from the General Court to settle within the jurisdiction of
Massachusetts ; and the second step was to purchase the lands
of the Indians. The negotiation was carried on through the
agency of Maj. John Pynchon of Springfield, to whom the deeds
were made out, and who assigned his rights to the Company,
and received his pay of individuals as they took possession of
their assigned lots. Maj. P^'nchon paid the Indians in wampum
and goods : and received payment in grain, with perhaps a con-
siderable quantity of wampum, and a small amount of silver.

Wampum, which was in the shape of beads, was made of
seashells. It was manufactured mainly by the Indians of Long
Island, and, later, by those of Block Island. It was of tw^o
kinds, white, or wampumpeag ; and black or blue, called suck-
auhock, which was of double the value of white. In 1650 the
Massachusetts government ordered that wampumpeag should be
a legal tender for debts (except for country rates) to the value
of fort>' shillings, the white at eight and the black at four for a
penny. This law was repealed in 1661, after which wampum
had no standard value — the price being regulated by demand
and supply. A hand of wampum was equal to four inches. In
the Hatfield purchase it was reckoned seven inches. A fathom
was ten hands and was ordinarily worth five shillings. It was
much used for ornaments, such as belts, bracelets, head-bands,
ear-pendants, and by the squaws of chiefs for aprons. Its use
in trade was continued for many years by the whites.

The first purchase on account of the Hadley settlers was
made December 25, 1658, and embraced the lands on the east
side of the Connecticut, from the mouth of Fort River and Mt.
Holyoke, on the south, to the mouth of Mohawk brook and the
southern part of Mt. Toby, on the north, being about nine miles
in length, and extending eastwardh' nine miles into the woods.
The price paid was two hundred and twenty fathoms of wam-
pum and one large coat, equal to ^"62 lo. The deed was signed
by Umpanchala. Quonquont and Chickwallop. Quonquont
reserved one cornfield of twelve — sixteen — twenty acres, near
his fort ; and all reser^-ed the liberty to hunt deer or fowl, and
to take fish, beaver and otter.

The second purchase was made July 10, 1660, and com-

prised the lands on the west or Hatfield side, from Capawong
brook (now Mill river) on the south, to the brook called Wunck-
compss, which comes out of the Great Pond, and over the brook
to the upper side of the meadow called Mincommuck. on the
north, and extending westerly nine miles into the woods. (The
north line was probably where is now the meadow road running
east and west, just north of the dwelling house of Austin S.
Jones. Esq.) The price paid was three hundred fathoms of
wampum and some small gifts, equal to ^75. The deed is
signed by Umpanchala and approved by his brother. Etowotnq.
The reserA-ations were the Chickens, or planting field, and the
liberty to hunt deer and other wild creatures, to take fish and to
set wigwams on the Commons, and take wood and trees for use.

The third purchase was the meadow called Capawonk. lying
in the south part of Hatfield. The deed is dated January 22,
1663. This meadow had been bought of the Indians in 1657.
for fifty shillings, by the Northampton Planters. The price paid
by Had ley was £30.

These three purchases comprise all the territory north of
Fort River and Northampton, actually possessed by Hadley.
No bounds were established for the town by any act of incorpo-
ration ; and the only claim it had to what is now the northerly
part of Hatfield and Whately, was a report of commissioners
appointed by the General Court to lay out the new plantation,
in which their north bounds on this side of the river are stated
"To be a great mountain called Wequomps," — which report of
Commissioners seems never to have been accepted. And the
last two purchases, viz.: From Northampton bounds on the
south, to a line just north of Great Meadow, comprise all the
territory west of the river owned by Hatfield at the time the
latter town was incorporated. The tract of land lying northerly
from Great Meadow (now North Hatfield and Whately) was
purchased of the Indians by Hatfield, October 19, 1672. This
was Quonquont's land, and the deed was signed by his widow
Sarah Quanquan, his son Pocunohouse, his daughter Majesset
and two others. The price paid was fifty fathoms of wampum-
peag. The south line was trom a walnut tree standing by the
river in Mincommuck meadow, westerly out into the woods. It
was bounded on the north by Weekioannuck brook, where the
Pocumtuck path crosses it — the line running east to the great
river, and west six miles into the woods.

The reservations in these deeds were somewhat varied

lO

but it was understood by both parties — indeed it was a tradition
current in my own boyhood — that the Indians had the right of
hunting, fowling and fishing anywliere. and to take what wal-
nut and white ash trees they had occasion to use for baskets and
brooms."

We add here a few words about Weekioannuck brook. I
have ascertained by measurements as follows, viz.; going east
from Deerfield road on the line of the uppermost lot (No. 70) 2d
division of commons, starting from a stone boundary standing
on the east bank of an old ditch. This south from the corner
stone in the South Deerfield cemetery 41 chains, 37 links, or 165
rods and 12 links to said stone. Thence east. 26 chains and 20
links to ditch top of Hopewell hill, then 37 chains, 97 links to
an oak tree on the west bank of the brook, Weekioannuck, 39
chains, 72 links to an oak tree on the east bank of the said
brook, 154 rods, 22 links to the east oak tree. The brook run-
ning in almost the line of the town line. From this last oak tree
it is 112 rods to the bound stone north of the Capt. Parker place,
or 124 rods to the centre of the Sunderland road. This is from
a careful survey- made by C. G, and J. M. Crafts in 1SS3.

CHAPTER I I.

SETTLEMENTS — DIVISION OF LANDS — INCORPORATION

OF HATFIELD.

The first planters of Mew England were wholly unaccus-
tomed to the work of clearing off woodlands. They had seen
and heard nothing of it in the mother country. Hence the ear-
liest settlements were uniformly made at places where they could
besrin immediately to cultivate the ground and find natural
pastures and meadows.

It was considered scarcely desirable or safe to form a Plan-
tation where there was not plenty of "fresh marsh" — what we
should call open swamp. And so when the west side people
petitioned for a new town, the Hadley Committee, in their an-
swer to the General Court, gave as one of the strongest reasons
against the separation, that the tract west of the river "does
not afiford boggy meadows or such like that men can live upon ;
but their subsistence must be from their Home lots and inter-
vals."

Both the east and west side settlers found the meadows and
adjacent uplands ready for grazing and tillage. There was
needed no preliminary work of clearing off the forests. They
began to plant corn and sow wheat and flax and mow grass the
first season.

From early times the Indians had been accustomed to .burn
over the whole country annually in November, after the leaves
had fallen and the grass had become dry, which kept the
meadows clean, and prevented any growth of underbrush on the
uplands. One by one the older trees would give way, and thus

12

many cleared fields, or tracts with only here and there a tree,
would abound, where the sod would be friable, ready for the
plow : or be already well covered with grass ready for pastur-
age. The meadow lands thus burnt over, threw out an early
nnd rich growth of nutritions grasses, which if let alone grew
"Up to a man's face." Then there were plots of ground, of
greater or less extent, which the Indian squaws had cultivated
in their rude way with shell or wooden hoes, and where they
had raised squashes and beans and corn.

Strange as it mav seem, both timber and fire wood were
scarce in the valley when the first settlement was made. At the
outset Hatfield passed a vote that no clapboards, shingles or
rails, or coopering stuff should be sold "to go out of town."
The upland woods, on each side of the river, both above and
below the towns, were passable for men on horseback.

As already stated, the Hadley planters were from Wethers-
field and Hartford, in the Connecticut Colony. They had
mostly come over from England in the years 1632 to '34, and
landed at the mouth of the Charles river in Massachusetts. A
part lived at Watertown till 1635, when they removed to Weth-
ersfield. Mr. Hooker, who came over with his flock in 1633,
stopped in Cambridge till '36, when they removed to Hartford.
Thus they had resided in Connecticut about twenty-five years.

The reason for leaving Wethersfield and Hartford, and
seeking a new residence in Hadley and Hatfield, was on account
of a schism in church government. It was strongly held that
infants d\-ing in an unbaptized state were lost forever. This
really abominable tenet in the church was strongly opposed by
the more liberal element in the church and at length proved suc-
cessful, and "persons not of scandalous character," who would
consent solemnly to the covenant, really joined the church
"half-way." This would allow them to have their children
baptized and if the sacrement of baptism was administered it
was held that in the event of the child dying before coming to
the age of moral accountability, it would be saved. The di-
vergence of opinions relative to this matter caused the removal
to Hadley and Hatfield.

Those who came were the bitter opponents of more liberal
practices, edged about by a conscientious desire to worship
as they deemed only right and proper. On these questions,
very warm, if not to say, hot discussions were held not only at
Hartford and Wethersfield, but all over New England. It was

13

npon this division of sentiment and other really unimportant
matters that they determined to leave their pleasant nomes and
remove to Massachusetts. It is quite probable that they well
understood the condition of Hatfield, even when they formed
the agreement to remove in 1^159. and probably knew the pre-
cise lot assigned to them. It is generally agreed that but one
of the settlers of Hatfield was actually on the ground until about
the first of October, 1^61. Richard Fellows came in the spring.
He in 1659 removed to Springfield and thence to Northampton
and in 1661 to Hatfield, where he died in 1663. Zechariah
Field came to Northampton in 1659, and as early as 1663 re-
moved to Hatfield. But the majority of the first settlers came
about the first of October, 166 r.

It is claimed that ten days were taken for the journey of
some less than 50 miles, as brooks, creeks and other streams
had to be bridged or fording places found, swamps and mo-
rasses corduroyed to afford safe passage for their carts, heavily
loaded with their women and small children and their personal
effects. Of course this required an efficient force of pioneers.
They brought with them their stock of various kinds. One
could now much easier move to California, and accomplish it
quicker.

Availing myself of the assistance of that exceedingly well-
posted antiquary. D. W. Wells, Esq., of Hatfield, and long time
President of the Smith Charities, enables me to fill up the
list of the noble band of Hatfield's first settlers. Richard Fel-
lows, in the spring of 1661. Then came later John Coleman,
Thomas Graves. Isaac Graves. John Graves, Samuel Belden,
Stephen Taylor, Daniel Warner, Daniel White, John White,
Jr.. John Cowles. or Cole, Ozias Goodwin, Richard Billings,
Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr., Samuel Dickinson, Obadiah Dickin-
son, William Gull, Eleazer Frary, Samuel Kellogg, John Wells,
Philip Russell and probably John Hawks, Samuel Gillett.
Thomas Bull gave up his claim. And it is claimed that
Wm. Allis and Tliomas Meekins came in 166 1, possibly with
the others by way of the cart path through Westfield.

Judd's History of Hadley says that Hadley in 166 1 allotted
176 acres to the Hatfield settlers, giving most of the settlers eight
acres each where they had families; to some young men four
acres each. Thomas Graves, then a very old man, was not
given any, as he lived with his son Isaac. A homestead of
eight acres was assigned to Thomas Bull, but for some reason

he gave it up and went back to Hartford. There were six that
only had four acres each, making 24 acres; and nineteen that
had eight acres each, making 152 acres, which with 24 added
makes the whole 176 acres granted by Hadley.

It is quite in the line of probability that each settler knew
just where his lot was before he came as Samuel Partridge said,
"A meeting was held on the west side of the Connecticut River
in 1660." And this was doubtless that of a committee sent up
to lay out the several lots on each side of the wide street. The
location of these lots is fairly well known to the present gener-
ation of Hatfield people.

Perhaps I may be justified in giving a few words relevant
to some of the lots now occupied by public buildings. The
meeting house, Town hall and Congregational parsonage are
all on the lot assigned to Lieut. William Allis. The Memorial
hall is on the lot assigned to Thomas Meekins. The Smith
academy on the lot assigned to Samuel Kellogg, all nice struc-
tures. The Main street was surrounded by a continuous line of
palisades. These extended from the highway to Northampton,
north about one hundred and two rods f^nd about 12 rods west
and so east of the street. This really enclosed all of the orig-
inal settlers' houses, with good and substantial gates. Settlers
who came later were outside of the palisades, and it was that
part that was raided by the Indians September 19, 1677, when
12 were killed and 17 captives carried to Canada.

The first comers were men of wealth and good social posi-
tion, and were regarded by the Massachusetts authorities as a
most desirable addition to her population. They had, as their
subsequent history proved, the self reliance and earnestness and
courage which usualh' attach to men who strike out a new path
for conscience's sake.

The agreement to remove to the new purchase was signed
April j8, 1659, and some went up that summer to make prepa-
ration for a general transfer. Perhaps a few families spent the
winter of '59-to at the new plantation, which at first was called
New Toun. It received the name of Hadleigh in 1661.

Division of Lands. By agreement, made before leaving
Connecticut, each original proprietor received an equal share,
viz., eight acres of land as a home lot. The street on the Had-
ley side was laid out twenty rods wide and the lots extended
back from it on each side. The street on the Hatfield side was
ten rods wide, and the first home lots at the lower end con-

15

tained eight acres. Those granted afterwards, further north,
contained only four acres.

Ownership of land in fee simple, by every inhabitant, was a
characteristic American idea and was a corner stone of the social
fabric built by our fathers. It was personal independence, it
was capital, it was power, it was permanence and it was substan-
tial equality. The first planters here recognized the principle
that ever>' honest citizen, whatever the amount of his cash
assets, had a right to so much land as secured him an indepen-
dent home, a real property, which could not be alienated except
by his own option; which assured him the tneans of rearing and
educating a family. He was a free man indeed. He had some-
thing to build upon, something to fix his affections upon, some-
thing to defend, something to leave his children, which they
after him could love and build upon and defend. Love of home
and love of country are co-ordinate and reciprocal and have
their most \dtal rootln ownership of the soil, with the power and
privilege it engenders.

Our ancestors in this valley could never have stood against
the tides of savage warfare, which in rapid succession burst over
them, had it not been that they defended their own and their
children's home and heritage

As we have seen, the first division of home lots was equal.
But. after this first equal division, all subsequent allotments of
meadows and intervals were made according to estates. Vet
here only a nominal inequality was allowed, a single man of
twenty-one receiving one-fourth as much as the man of large
wealth and family.

The term estates, as used at that time, requires an explana-
tion. It did not represent a man's actual property, real or per
sonal. Precisely how the thing was brought about we are not
informed. But by mutual agreement, evidently satisfactory to
all parties, a sum varying from /,'50 for a young unmarried man
to /"200 for a man of independent means, was set against
each proprietor's name and called his estate, and used as a ba-
sis of land distribution and taxation. The wealthy planters con-
sented to receive less than their proper share of lands and were
held to pay less than their ratable proportion of expenses; while
the young man, for the sake of receiving a larger allotment of
land, agreed to pay a proportionate part of the plantation taxes.

And the principle of substantial equality was further recog-
nized by the peculiar method adopted in- distributing the com-

i6

mon fields, where no one received his full share in one lot, in
which case he would run the chance to get all good or all poor
land, -but each meadow was first partitioned off into two or more
parts, and each proprietor had a share in the subdivision of the
several parts. Thus the North or Great Meadow was first ap-
portioned into six parts, and each west side settler had a lot in
each of the six divisions. Little Meadow was apportioned into
two parts and South Meadow into three parts, each proprietor
receiving a lot in each part. A ^^50 estate drew of mead-
ow land thirteen and one-half acres in all ; a ^"200 estate
drew fifty-four and one-half acres. At the same time the vast
extent of upland was open to all equally for wood, rimber and
pasturage.

And now they began to build upon these foundations. As
there were no sawmills driven by water, the frame and covering
of their houses must be got out by hand. Boards as well as
joists were sawed in saw pits, as they were called, i. e., two
men, one above on a scaffolding, and one below in the pit. work-
ing the saw, but most of the covering stuflT for buildings was
split or cleft. These cloven boards, or clapboards, were com-
monly from four to six feet long, five inches wide and six-eighths
of an inch thick on the back. Shingles were all the way from
fourteen inches to three feet long, and one inch thick at the
thick end. At first all stuff was split from oak.

Fences, next in order after roads and houses, were built.
The home lots, which were fenced by the owners, usually with
posts and rails, required above twenty miles of fencing. The
common fields, except Great Meadow, which was surrounded
by ponds and brooks, were usually enclosed with a broad ditch,
on the bank of which were set two poles or three rails, making
the whole over four feet in height. The ditch was on the out-
side, as the main object was to keep out roving animals. The
by-laws regarding fences were minute and strict. Common
fences were required to be made good by March 20th of each
year, and to be so close as to keep out swine three months old.
Each proprietor of a common field was required to fence accord-
ing to the number of acres he held in the field, and "To have a
stake twelve inches high at the end of his fence, with the two
first letters of his name facing the way the fence runs." The
location of a man's fence, like that of his land, was determined
by lot.

17

Gates were placed wherever a road crossed a common field.
If a person, owner or traveler, left open the gates or bars of a
meadow after March 20, he had to pay 2s. 6d.; at a later date
the fine was 5 shillings besides all damages. Gates were in
existence on the River road and in other parts of the town after
the Revolution.

All males over sixteen years were required to work one day
yearly on the highway and owners of meadow land at the rate
of one day for every twenty acres. All over fourteen years were
required to work one day in June cutting brush or clearing the
commons.

At first the tillage lands were devoted mainly to corn,
wheat, peas and flax, as these were the essential articles of food
and the means of payment of debts and taxes, and an important
item of each season's work was the gathering of fire wood and
candle wood. The latter was the pitch, or hard pine, and was
the only substitute for candles for a number of years.

The first gristmill was built in r662 by Thomas Meekins,
on Hatfield Mill River. (The stream in a town on which a
mill was first erected was usually called Mill River. ) He re-
ceived a grant of twenty acres near the mill for building it. and
the town agreed to have all the grain ground at his mill "Pro-
vided he make good meal."

Formation of a Church and Incorporation of the
Town. The west side proprietors grew and multiplied so that
at the end of seven years they numbered forty-seven families.
The river was a serious obstacle to the enjoyment of religious
ordinances, and as early as 1667 a petition for a separate society
was sent to the General Court. The next year the Court granted
them leave to settle and maintain a minister, but Hadley
objected, and an earnest controversy ensued, the result of which
was that the west side was incorporated into a town by the name
of Hatfields, May 31, 1670. At the time the Court granted
leave for separate church privileges they determined to have
their own preaching whether Hadley consented or not. and at a
"side meeting," as it wascalled, held Nov. 6, 166S, a committee
was chosen "To provide a boarding place for a minister and
arrange for his maintenance, al.so to build a meeting-house thirty
feet square." No plantation was considered fit for municipal
privileges till a meeting-house and minister were provided for,
and it is likely that their determined action in this matter in-

18

duced the Court to set them off into a town, even before they
expected, or were quite ready for it.

In addition to preparation for the ordinances it was voted,
at a side meeting, February, 1670, to lay out a piece of ground
twenty rods long by eight rods wide, upon the plain near Thomas
Meekin's land, for a burying place. They had also virtually
"called" their minister and fixed hissalar}' before incorporation.
In the November following Mr. Hope Atherton, the pastor
elect, signified his acceptance of the call, and the town voted
him, in addition to the home lot of eight acres, the ministerial
allotment in the meadows "To build him a house, forty by
twenty feet, double story," and allow him /r6o a year, two-
thirds in wheat and one-third in pork, with the proviso, "If
our crops fall so short that we cannot pay him in kind, then we
are to pay him in the next best way we have," and the further
proviso, that if Mr. Atherton left them before his death certain
sums were to be refunded the town. The precise date of the
formation of the church is unknown, but there is pretty clear
evidence, however, that it took place near the firstof April, 1671.

It appears that only six of the male inhabitants were church
members. These were Thomas Meekins, Sr., William AUis,
John Cole, Sr., Isaac Graves, Samuel Belden and either Rich-
ard Billings or William Gull. At a meeting in February, 1671,
the town voted that these resident members should "Be those
to begin in gathering the church, and that they should have
power to choose three persons to make up nine to join in the
work." The exact import of this last clause is not apparent.
"As seven is the least number by which the rule of church dis-
cipline in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew can be reduced to
practice, that number has been held necessar}' to form a church
state. [Ency. Rel. Knowl.] And we find that at Northamp-
ton, in 1 66 1, seven men, called the "seven pillars," were organ-
ized as a church. Also at Westfield, in 1679, seven men. called
"foundation men," were selected to be formed into church
state.

Thus all the essentials of social life — homes, fenced fields,
roads, a grist mill, a bur\'ing place, a meeting house and min-
ister— were secured. Schools, as we now use the term, were
not regarded a necessity in the first years of a settlement. In-
deed, the public or free school system was not a germ, but a
growth of our institutions. To give all access to the Holy
Scriptures family instruction in spelling and reading was con-
sidered obligatory and. was common from the first. To secure

19

this a law was passed in 1642 requiring the selectmen of towns
to look after the children of parents and masters who neglected
to bring them up in "learning and labor." In 1647 it was en-
acted that every town with fifty families should provide a school
where children might be taught to read and write. Practically
this secured an education to only those who were able to pay for
it and it was commonly understood to apply only to boys.

The first books used were the "Horn Book," Primer, Psal-
ter and Testament. The Horn Book was the alphabet and a
few rudiments printed on one side of a card and pasted upon a
board, and this was covered ^vith translucent horn to prevent its
being soiled. They were in use till about [700 when Dilworth's
spelling book was introduced.

Hatfield had a school regularly established in 167S, two-
thirds of the expense being borne by the scholars and one-third
by the town. The first schoolhouse was built in 1681 and Dr.
Thomas Hastings was the first teacher. It was not uncommon
to unite the profession of physician and teacher in the same per-
son, and as the grandmothers were mainly relied on for prescrip-
tions and poultices he seems to have found sufficient time for
the discharge of duty in the double capacity. The school year
was divided into two terms, beginning respectively about April
I and October i. A separate rate was made for each term, the
parent paying for only the time his child attended. From a
record of attendance for 1698-9 it appears that thirty-seven boys
were pupils in the winter and thirty-eight in the summer, of
whom only four were writers. The salary of the teacher was
/)30 to ^'35 per year, payable in grain. This school became
free in 1722.

Though the statutes relating to schools use the word child-
ren, jet it was understood to apply primarily to boys. Girls
were taught to read at home or by "dames" who gathered a
class at their private dwellings, but the education of girls seems
to have been regarded as unnecessary for the first hundred
vears of the New England colonies. Even so late as the Amer-
ican Revolution comparatively few women could write their
names. In the grammar schools of most of the older towns no
girls were found. Boston did not allow them to attend the pub-
lic schools till 1790. Northampton admitted them for the first
time in 1802.

There is evidence that girls attended the school in Hatfield
when it was first opened and for several years thereafter and

20

pursued the same studies as the boys. From 1695 to 1699 none
are found upon the list. In 1700, during the winter term, four
girls and fort>--two boys were in attendance. In- 1709 there
were sixteen girls in a class of sixty-four, which shows a rapid
change in public sentiment.

Probably the mothers, educated in their girlhood by Dr. Hast-
ings, discovered the advantage of an education, (possibly their
husbands found out the same fact), and when their daughters
arrived at a suitable age they sent them to school, and thus the
custom originated and rapidly gained force which resulted in the
Iree school of 1722.

With this fact in mind, there is seen to be a striking fitness
that a Hatfield woman, Miss Sophia Smith, should be the 5rst
to found a female college in Massachusetts. Whately wisely
adopted her mother's \-iews, as no one remembers the time when
girls did not commonly attend school and pursue the same stud-
ies as bo> s.

These early settlers lived mostly within themselves, depend-
ing on the produce of tlieir lands and cattle, though some, in
addition to farming, did carpenter's or blacksmith's w^ork and
coopering. The women helped their husbands, reared children,
bolted the flour and spun flax and wool and wove them into
cloth.

Most families had a few cows and sheep, and many swine.
Oxen were used for farm work and to haul grain and flour to
market and horses were kept solely for the saddle. Money was
scarcely a circulating medium and trade was mostly "in kind"
or wampum.

Zechariah Field was the first who carried oii trade in Hat-
field, but his business was limited and proved unprofitable.
Families bought most of their goods of John Pj'nchon of Spring-
field, and paid in wheat, flour, pork and malt.

Taxes were paid in grain, and even the sacramental charges
of the church were paid in wheat, for which purpose three
half-pecks per member per year appears to have been the usual
requirement.

The only communication with the outside world was with
Northampton and Springfield and their old homes in Connecti-
cut. There was a cartway to Windsor and Hartford by way of
Westfield, and there was a road to Springfield on the east side
of the river. The Bay Road, through Quaboag, (Brookfield)
was only a horse path till after 1700.

CHAPTER III.

THE FIRST INDIAN WAR, 1675 — 1678.

Thus in their quiet seclusion and healthful pursuits, and
the enjoyment of social and Christian intercourse, they passed
fifteen years. Some who came to the valley with gray hairs had
laid them down to rest in the old grave-yard. The infant had
become a youth and the youth had reached manhood. With
some homesickness and reverses the sun of prosperity beamed
kindly and brightly, and a future full of promise and hope for
their children seemed opening upon them. But -on a sudden
this quiet life was broken up. War in its most frightful form,
war, such as the merciless and treacherous savage knows how
to wage, burst upon them !

Up to this time the whites and red men had lived together
on terms of friendship. There was no social equality and no
mingling of races. Each led his own distinctive life and,
though the separation between the two forms became daily more
apparent, no conflict occurred and suspicion, if it existed, was
studiously concealed. The English had plowed for the Indians
the reserved planting field or, as they sometimes preferred, had
rented their own plowed fields, the squaws planting and tending
them "at halves;" the Indians had dwelt in their Fort or pitched
their wigwams on the Commons and sometimes on the home lots
and gone in and out at pleasure. The only danger apprehended
seems to have been from the thieving and begging propensities
of the savages and their anger when under the influence of
alcoholic drink. The people erected no fortifications, and the
militia men were rather for ornament than use. Hatfield had
only six troopers in 1674.

It had been the custom for the Indians to apply for ground
to plant upon and make arrangements for the same. ver\- early
in the season, usually in February, but this spring (1675) they
were silent on the subject and made no preparation for putting
in a crop. They also removed their wigwams, and whatever
goods they claimed, from the home lots and adjacent meadows
to the fort. And earh- in summer a favorite squaw counseled
good wife Wright of Northampton "To get into town with her
children.'' These things were known, but attracted little
attention. The>' may have awakened suspicion, but it could
hardly be called alarm as it led to no special preparations for
defence. .

In about three weeks after the Brookfield fight, the scat-
tered bands of Indians gathered on the Connecticut river. They
concentrated at the Fort between Northampton and Hatfield.
Capt. Lathrop and Capt. Beers, with their companies, composed
mostly of men from the eastern part of the state, having scoured
the region of the river, came to Hadley, probably on the 23d of
August. As a precautionary measure, rather than from a belief
in their hostile intentions, it was judged best to disarm the
Indians then in the Fort. And on the next day a parley was
•held and a formal demand for the surrender of their arms was
made. The Indians objected and demanded time for considera-
tion. And it was finally agreed that if a deputation should be
sent over the next morning, a final answer would then be given.
Distrusting their sincerity, the officers determined to surround
the Fert and secure their arms by force, if need be. To effect
this with certainty, about midnight word was sent to the com-
manding officer at Northampton to bring up his company to the
south of the Fort, "As near as they could without being per-
ceived," while the others would post themselves on the north.
The two companies then crossed to the Hatfield side and moved
quietly down, reaching the Fort q. little before break of day.

But the movement was too late to effect its object. The
wily savage had fled, taking arms, goods and all, having first
killed an old sachem who opposed their plans.

After a brief council of war, the captains resolved to follow
and with one hundred men pursued "At a great pace," up the
Deerfield path. The Indians had evidently anticipated such a
n)ovement and were lying in ambush in a swamp near the road.
From the facts that have come to light, it seems probable that
the English captains expected to hold a parley rather than to

23

fight, and were marching without special precaution. But on a
sudden, as the troops were crossing the head of a ravine, the
Indians "Let fly about forty guns at them." Oar men quickly
returned the fire ; some of them rushed down into the swamp,
forcing the enemy to throw away much of their baggage, and
after awhile each man, after the Indian manner, got behind his
tree and watched his opportunity to get a shot at them. The
fight continued about three hours, when the Indians withdrew.
"We lost six men upon the ground, a seventh died of his
wounds coming home and two died the next night, making nine
in all."* Only one of the killed, Richard Fellows, belonged to
Hatfield.

Owing to an apparent contradiction in the two accounts of
this fight extant, Mr. Russell of Hadley placing it at "A swamp
beyond Hatfield" and Hubbard saying it occurred "Ten miles
above Hatfield, at a place called Sugar Loaf Hill," the location
has not been hitherto identified.

But there is really no contradiction. Both accounts are
agreed that it was a swamp above Hatfield, at a place called
Sugar Loaf Hill. It is also clear that our men were pursuing
the usual Indian trail between Hatfield and Deerfield. If, then.
a spot can be found where the trail skirts the edge of the swamp
near the foot of Sugar Loaf, the presumption would be that the
ambush was concealed at that point. And if this point furnished
a background fitted for a cover, and at the same time afforded
good chance of retreating in case of defeat, the presumption
would amount to almost certainty. The chief ground of doubt
remaining is the "ten miles from Hatfield," stated by Hubbard.
But Mr. Hubbard received his information at second hand, while
Mr. Russell, who lived at Hadley and gathered his account at
the time from the soldiers themselves, names no distance. And
-this apparent difficulty vanishes when the common estimate (for
no measurement had then been made) of distances on this path
is considered. As appears from papers relating to the "Dedham
Grant" the distance from Hadley to Deerfield was reckoned
"twelve miles." Taking this estimated distance as a basis for
getting a ratio of the true distance, the "ten miles" would be to
the southward of Sugar Loaf. The only remaining difficulty
is as to the exact line of march. By reference to the Indian
deed and the act defining the north line of Hatfield, it is plain
that the Deerfield path crossed Sugar Loaf Brook where said

•Stoddard's Letter.

24

brook intersects the Deerfield and Hatfield (afterwards Whately)
line. Starting from "Poplar Spring," a well-known locality on
this path, and following the line of trail towards the point indi-
cated, at a point about a fourth of a mile south of Sugar Loaf
Brook the traveler comes upon a ravine which exactly meets all
the published conditions of the fight. The swamp h.ere trends
into the plain, making a triangular depression, where is a spring
of water that finds its way into Hopewell Brook. An ambush
of forty Indians! the number named by Stoddard) could be hid-
den among the "beaver holes," prostrate stumps and huge hem-
looks, and as their pursuers crossed the head of the ravine their
line would be exposed for nearly its whole length, as the Indians
could fire up both slopes of the bluff. The peculiar lay of the
land also accounts for the fact that "One of ours was shot in
the back by our own men," which might readily happen if he
pushed down into the swamp while a part of the force remained
on the opposite of the triangle.

There is no doubt that the destruction of Quaboag and the
successful stratagem by which they escaped from the fort at Hat-
field and the indecisive struggle at "The Swamp," last de-
scribed, greatly encouraged the Indians. The advantage gained
was on their side. The loss of the Indians in the Swamp fight
was put by our men at twenty-six, but this is conjecture and the
numbei is improbable. The scattered and isolated situation of the
towns and their almost defenceless condition was in the .savages'
favor. Our officers and soldiers were not familiar with their
modes of warfare and were not united in opinion as to the best
method of attack and defence. The settlers were not lacking in
courage, but in skill and unity.

From the date last gi\'en, August 25, there were constant
alarms, individual surprises and scouting, till the disastrous
fight at Northfield and desertion of the place, September 2 and
4, and the still more disastrous slaughter of "The flower of Es-
sex" at Muddy Brook, September 18. Deerfield was immedi-
ately abandoned and her settlers retired to Hatfield and Hadley.
The whole valley was a scene of apprehension and mourning.
Fathers went out to cut fire wood or gather corn in the morning
and returned not ; the light of blazing barns at night sent fear
to the hearts of the boldest ; the crack of the Indian's gun in the
thicket was at once the traveler's warning and death knell.

Thus passed the month after the battle of Muddy Brook,
afterwards appropriately called Bloody Brook. The savages

. 25

were always on the alert and usually appeared just when and
where they were least expected. Springfield was burned Octo-
ber 5, the very day on which an attack on Hadley from the
north was expected. An extract from a letter written by Maj.
John Pynchon, dated Hadley, September 30, will give a vivid
picture of the situation: "We are endeavoring to discover the
enemy and daily send out scouts, but little is effected. Our
English are somewhat awk and fearful in scouting and spying,
though we do the best we can. We have no Indian friends here
to help us. We find the Indians have their scouts out. Two
days ago two Englishmen at Northampton, being gone out
in the morning to cut wood, and but a little from the house,
were both shot down dead, having two bullets apiece shot into
each of their breasts. The Indians cut off their scalps, took
their arms and were off in a trice." And in a postcript to
another letter, dated October 8, he says: "To speak my
thoughts, all these towns ought to be garrisoned as I have for-
merly hinted. To go out after the Indians in the swamps and
thickets is to hazard all our men, unless we know where they
keep, which is altogether unknown to us." This will explain
the defensive policy adopted by the English.

On Tuesday, the 19th of October, early in the morning, the
Indians kindled great fires in the woods to the northward of
Hatfield, probably in the neighborhood of "Mother George," to
attract the village people, and then concealed themselves in the
bushes to await the result. About noon, ten horsemen were
sent out to scout, and as they were passing the ambush the
Indians fired, killing six and taking three prisoners, one of
whom they afterwards tortured to death. They then fell with
all their fury upon the village, evidently hoping to wipe it out
as they had done to Northfield and Deerfield. But, as the
chronicle has it, "According to the good providence of God,"
Capt. Mosely and Capt. Poole, who with their companies then
garrisoned Hatfield, successfully repelled the assault. After a
fierce and protracted struggle the Indians fled, having mortally
wounded one soldier and burned /. few buildings. This was the
first decided defeat they had suffered, if we except the repulse
at Hadley (of which so little is known) through the skill and
courage of Gen. Goflfe.

Soon after this affair the main body of the Indians withdrew
from this part of the valley. The people of Hatfield immedi-
ately began the construction of palisades around the more thickly

26

built portion of the village, comprising, probably, the southern
end of the street; they also fortified the mill and some of the
more exposed houses.

Winter set in early and though no attack was made, or seri-
ously apprehended, the time passed gloomily enough. Most of
the families from Deerfield. and some from Northfield, were
gathered here and a company of thirty-six, under Lieut. Wil-
liam Allis. were quartered upon the people. Food appears to
have been plenty, but the deep snows (north of Brookfield the
snow was "mid-thigh" deep) and severe cold prevented much
communication with other parts of the Colony. Shut up and
shut out from the world as they were, thoughts of the past and
apprehensions for the future must have weighed heavily on rheir
hearts.

Mr. Russell's report of the numbers slain in Hampshire
county in 1675 is as follows.

Aug. 2, at Brookfield, 13 Sept. 28, at Northampton, 2

Aug. 25, above Hatfield, 9 Oct. 5, at Springfield, 4

Sept. 1, at Deerfield, 2 Oct. 19, at Hatfield, 10

Sept. 2, at Northfield, 8 Oct. 27, at Westfield, 3

Sept. 4, at Northfield, 16 Oct. 29, at Northampton, 4

Sept. 18, at Muddy Brook 74

Total, 145

The number here given is probably too large by two. Of these
not less than forty-four were inhabitants of the county, the rest
were soldiers from other parts of the Colony.

From the testimony of a Christian Indian, employed as a
spy, the River Indians had their main winter quarters on the
west side of the Connecticut, above Northfield, though a few
wintered to the eastward of Albany. They returned to Hamp-
shire county near the end of February.

When the fishing season arrived they established them-
selves, as usual, about the Falls above Deerfield. They also
planted large fields of corn, both at Northfield and Deerfield.
This would go to show that they considered themselves still
masters of the situation, and we can readily credit the testi-
mony of Thomas Reed, an escaped captive, that "They are
secure and scornful, boasting of great things they have done
and will do."

About the middle of April. 1676, a party of these Deerfield
Indians went down to Hatfield North Meadow and drove off
eighty head of horses and cattle. They kept these cattle for a
time in the common field, previously well fenced by the settlers.

^7

•

at the Deerfield meadow, where Reed saw them, and '"Found

the bars put up to keep them in." '

The report which this man Reed brought in of the defiant
manner of the savages and their quiet possession of the culti-
vated fields of the expelled settlers, seems to have roused the
spirit of the English and induced them to take the offensive.
"This being the state of things," writes Mr. Russell, "We think
the Lord calls us to make some trial what mav be done against
them suddenly without further delay ; and therefore the concur-
ring resolution of men here seems to be to go out against them
to-morrow at night so as to be with them, the Lord assisting,
before break of day."

This was written May 15th. and the determination was
carried into effect the rSth, when about one hundred and fifty
mounted men, chiefly from the river towns, with Benjamin Wait
and Experience Hinsdale as guides, started from Hatfield. "To
assail-the Indians at the falls above Deerfield."

The expedition was under command of Capt. William Tur-
ner. "They found. the Indians all asleep, without having any
scout abrqad, so that our soldiers came and put their guns into
their wigwams before the Indians were aware of them and did
make a great and notable slaughter among them. Some got
out of the wigwams and fought and killed one of the English ;
others did enter the river to swim over from the English, but
many were shot dead in the waters; others wounded were there-
in drowned, many got into canoes to paddle away, but the pad-
dles being shot, the canoes overset with all therein ; and the
stream being violent and swift near the falls most that fell over-
board were carried upon the falls. Others of them, creeping for
shelter under the banks of the great river, were espied by our
men and killed with their swords."* The number of Indians
slain, most of them women and children, was probably about
one hundred and seventy-five, though the account at the time
made it much larger.

But this first success in earlv morning was later in the dav
changed into a most disastrous rout of the English. The Indi-
ans, who were camped on the east bank and on Smead's Island,
crossed the river and assailed our men in the rear after they had
begun their homeward march. At the same time a report that
King Philip with a thousand warriors was at hand got started
and produced a panic.

•History of Hadley.

2g
•

Our men got scattered ; Capt. Turner was shot as he was
passing Green river; many lost their way in the woods ; and
though Capt. Holyoke, the second in command, conducted the
retreat with great bravery and skill, he was followed by the vic-
torious savages to the south end of Deerfield meadow. In all,
thirt}--eight of the English were killed, three of whom were
Hatfield men, viz. : Samuel Gillet, John Church and William
Allis, Jr.

The battle was fought on Friday, but some of the men who
got lost wandered about for two or three days. Jonathan
Wells, who was wounded, after severe suffering and several
narrow escapes, reached Hatfield on the Sabbath. Rev. Hope
Atherton of Hatfield. wl:o accompanied the troops, "After sub-
sisting." as he sa}-s, "The space of three days and part of
another, without ordinary food," came into Hadley about noon
on Monday.

This double defeat had its natural result. The English
saw the need of a larger force which could crush by its very
weight; and the Indians felt weakened by so great a loss, and
contented themselves with securing a stock of provisions, partly
by the fisheries and partly by plunder.

Their first plundering expedition was against Hatfield,
which was easiest of access from their camp above Deerfield.
On the 30th of May, while most of the men were away at work
in their planting field, a large body of Indians, estimated at
between two and three hundred, made a simultaneous attack
on the line of palisaded dwellings, on the herdsmen tending the
cattle and on the men at work in the fields. Holding these last
at bay they fired twelve houses and barns, killed or drove away
manj' of the cattle and nearly all the sheep. Seeing the flames
of the burning buildings, a company of twenty-five young men
from Hadley crossed the river in face of a hot fire from the ene-
my and by their daring bravery saved the town. This company
lost five of their own number, but so far as appears, none of
Hatfield were slain.

A large body of troops now concentrated in the valley.
About four hundred and fifty came up from Connecticut under
Major Talcott. Capt. Henchman, with over three hundred and
fifty men, arrived soon after from the Bay. These scoured the
country northward and eastward, and effectually scattered the
enemy. In one expedition they "Burnt a hundred wigwams
upon an island, ruined an Indian fort, spoiled an abundance of

fish which they found in barns under ground and destroyed
thirty canoes."* Later they destroyed all the standing corn at
Deerfield and Northfield.

Few Indians were seen in the county later than July. They
were suffering from famine and disease, were hunted from place
to place and many were killed. Some of the women and chil-
dren gave themselves up or were taken prisoners. The death
of Philip, August 1 2th, appeared to put an end to the war. The
main body drew off towards Albany where they were harbored
and supplied with arms by the authorities acting under Andros.
The military operations of the preceding spring, as well as
the danger imminent at that time, prevented the planting of the
usual extent of ground. The North Meadow was probably not
put in tillage at all this year, consequently the harvests were
light.

Hatfield's Great Calamity. The spring of 1677
opened propitiously. Our people planted and tended their fields
in peace, and in summer gathered the hay from the intervals.
Their sense of security is shown by the fact that a number who
were driven from Deerfield in the fall of '75 now returned there
and commenced to rebuild their houses.

Though rendered cautious by experience the settlers were
somewhat hardened by danger. They had the courage and
some of the recklessness which is always engendered by constant
alarms, perils, escapes and scouting. "They went about their
ordinary business with arms in their hands, and to their solemn
assemblies as one goeth to the battle," but it was as much from
habit as a sense of imminent danger. As the fishing season
went by without the return of the Indians to their old haunts,
and the period of full summer foliage of the trees, usually chosen
because of the better facility for ambush and skulking, was
past, they seem to have regarded themselves as safe for the
year. No scouts were sent out and no guards were maintained
at home.

But Hatfield paid dearly for her fancied security. On the
19th of September, more than a year after the war was consid-
ered closed, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, while the princi-
pal part of the men were dispersed in the meadows and unsus-
picious of danger, a party of Indians suddenly assaulted the
few men left at home, who just then were at work upon the

•History of Hadley.

30

frame of a house outside the palisades, killed three of them and
then fell upon the defenceless women and children. Before
help could come thev fired seven houses, killed nine persons,
making twelve in all, wounded four, took seventeen captives
and escaped to the cover of the woods.

The boldness and suddenness of the movement assured its
success. The people seem to have been paralyzed by the shock
and made no earnest effort at rescue. Perhaps the fear lest the
captives might be tomahawked, if pursuit was made, and the
hope that they would be spared if unmolested, may have had
weight. The Indians went that day to Deerfield where they
killed one and captured four men, and halted for the night.
They spent the second night at Northfield west meadow.
They proceeded further up the river and camped on the east side,
about twent}- miles above Northfield, where they built a long
wigwam and remained about three weeks. About the middle
of October the party, augmented by about eight}' women and
children, taken in the neighborhood of Wachusett, moved off
crossing the country to Lake Champlain and thence to Canada.

With perhaps an individual exception these seventeen from
Hatfield, and those taken at Deerfield, were the first captives
from the valley that had to endure the sufferings and perils
of a march through the then almost impassable wilderness.
The captives taken in the two preceding years, with two
exceptions, were either burned at the stake or otherwise tortured
to death.

Of those whose descendants settled Whately, Sergeant Isaac
Graves and John Graves were killed; Hannah, the wife of John
Coleman and her babe, Bertha, were killed ; another child wound-
ed and two taken captive; Mary, the wife of Samuel Belden,
was killed ; the wife and daughter of John Wells were wounded
and his daughter Elizabeth, aged two. was killed; the wife of
Obadiah Dickinson was wounded, himself and one child carried
off; Abigail, daughter of John AUis, aged six ; Martha, the wife
of Benjamin Wait, and her three daughters; Mar\', the wife of
Samuel Foote, her daughter Mar}-, aged three, and a young son
were carried into captivity.

Thus in the three years of the war, twenty seven of Hatfield
were killed and nineteen made prisoners. In regard to both
life and property, the loss of this town was greater in proportion
to population than any of the surviving towns in the valley.
"From one- third to one-half the houses were burned and the
greater part of their kine, sheep and horses killed or driven off."

31

The story of Benjamin Wait, whose house, situated on the
west side of Hatfield street, just south of King's hill, was burned,
and whose family were among the captives taken on the 19th of
September, possesses both a local and a public interest; and as
he was the ancestor of many of our families, it should have a
place in these annals. At the time of our narrative he was a
young man of about thirty. His family consisted of Martha, his
wife and three little girls, Mary, six, Martha, four, and Sarah
two years of age. Inured to woodcraft and familiar with Indian
customs, it is not difficult to imagine what was his first impulse
when he reached the ashes of his home and learned the fate of
his young wife and babes. But he had prudence as well as
haste, and wisely, as the event proved, took counsel of liis sec-
ond thoughts.

But after enduring a month of suspense, Wait, and his
friend, Stephen Jennings, whose family was also among the cap-
tives, determined to ascertain the fate of their friends and re-
deem them if found alive. With a commission from the;gov-
ernor of Massachusetts they set out from Hatfield, October 24,
to go by way of Westfield to Albany, then the only traveled
route to Canada.

The authorities at Albany, who were on friendly terms with
the French and their Indian allies, blocked their plans and after
vexatious detentions, sent them on a false pretense to New
York. At length, through the intercession of Capt. Brockhurst,
they were sent back to Albany with a pass. It was now the
19th of November and it was the loth of December before they
got on their way. A Frenchman whom they hired to act as
guide was bribed by the Dutch governor and deserted them,
and they were forced to engage a Mohawk Indian to conduct
them to Lake George. This savage, who proved true to them,
fitted up a canoe and made a drawing of the lakes by which
they were to pass. "They were three days passing -the first
lakes and then, carrying their canoe two miles over a neck
of land, they entered the great lake which the second day the>-,
hoping to trust to the ice, left their canoe, but having tra\'eled
one day upon the ice they were forced to return back to tetch
their canoe, and then went by water till they came to the land.
being windbound six days in the interim ; so as they made it
about the first of January, having traveled three days without a
bit of bread or any other relief but some raccoon's Mesh which
they had killed in an hollow tree.

52

"On the 6th of January they came to Chamblee, a small
village of ten houses belonging to the French, only by the way
they met with a bag of biscuit and a bottle of 'brandy in an
empty wigwam with which they were not a little refreshed ; and
in traveling towards Sorell, filiv mile distant, from thence they
came to a lodging of Indians, among whom they found the wife
of Jennings."* They found the remainder of the captives at
Sorell and, to his great joy, Wait found a little daughter added
to his family. He named her Canada.* Unable to secure all
the captives without the assistance of the French authorities,
they went down to Quebec. Here they were well entertained
by the governor, who granted their desire and assigned them a
guard of eleven soldiers for the journey to Albany. They left
Quebec on the 19th of April and Sorell on the 2d of May, hav-
ing redeemed all the captives then living. They reached Albany
on their return May 22.

From Albany a messenger was sent to Hatfield with letters
telling of their success and need of assistance. But Wait's let-
ter will tell its own story:

Albany, May 23,1678.
To my loving friends and kindred at Hatfield: —

These few lines are to let you understand that we are
arrived at Albany now \vith the captives, and we now stand in
need of assistance, for my charges are very great and heavy ;
and therefore any that have any love to our condition let it move
them to come and help us in this strait. Three of the captives
are murdered, — old Goodman Ph^mpton, Samuel Foote's daugh-
ter, Samuel Russell. All the rest are alive and well and now at
Albany, namely: Obadiah Dickinson and his child, Mary Foote
and her child, Hannah Jennings and three children, Abigail
Allis. Abigail Bartholomew, Goodman Coleman's children,
Samuel Kellogg, my wife and four children and Quintin Stock-
well. I pray you hasten the matter for it requireth great haste.
Stay not for the Sabbath nor shoeing of horses. We shall en-
deavor to meet you at Kanterhook ; it may be at Housatonock.
We must come very softly because of our wives and children.
I pray you hasten them, stay not night nor day, for the matter
requireth haste. Bring provisions with you for us.

Your loving kinsman.,

BENJAMIN WAIT.

♦Hubbard's New England.

•Canada Wait m. Joseph Smith, son of the John Smith of Hadley who
was slain in Hatfield Meadow, May 30, 1676 ; she was the grandniotber
the late Oliver Smith.

33

P. S. — At Albany written frommineown hand. As I have been
affected to \ours, all that were fatherless, be affected to me now,
and hasten the matter and stay not, and ease me of my charges.
You shall not need to be afraid of any enemies.

After stopping at Albany three days they started, May 27.
and walked twenty-two miles to Kinderhook, where they met
men and horses from Hatfield. They rode through the woods to
VVestfield and all reached home safely after an absence of eight
months. "The ransom of the captives cost above ^200, which
was gathered by contribution among the English." Copies of
this letter and one from Stockwell were carried to Medfield and
thence sent to the governor and council at Boston.

On their receipt, the following official notice was issued:
"Knowing that the labour, hazard and charge of said Ben-
jamin Wait and his associate have been great we recommend
their case with the captives for relief to the pious charity of the
elders, ministers and congregations of the several towns; that
on the fast day [previously appointed] they manifest their char-
ity by contributing to the relief of said persons. And the min-
isters are desired to stir up the people thereunto. For quicken-
ing this work we do hereby remit a copy of Benjamin Wait's
letter to be read publickly, either before or upon that day; and
what is freely given is to be remitted to Mr. Anthony Stoddard,
Mr. John Joyliff and Mr. John Richards, or either of them, who
are appointed to deliver and distribute the same for the ends
aforesaid." Signed, "Edw. Rawson, Sec'y.

Wait rebuilt his burned house, but it is not strange that
he was a changed man. The next few years were years of
peace. He reared a family of three hardy boys, in addition to
the girls already named. When the news reached Hatfield of
the French and Indian attack on Deerfield, Feb. 29, 1704,
though nearly sixty years old, he was the first to start for her
relief. He was killed by a musket ball in the meadow fight of
that morning.

We cannot refrain from saying, all honor to the brave scout
and Indian fighter I His name is not often mentioned among
the heroes of those wars, but among them all, among those who
did most for their country's welfare and stood firmest in the
hour of her early peril, who dared, sufiered, made no boasts
and claimed no official distinction, who offered his life in sacri-
fice for those he loved, among those whose heroic deeds have
made this beautiful valley immortal, no name is brighter and no

34

one's memory is more worthy to be cherished than that of Ben-
jamin Wait.

Thus did our fathers receive early the baptism of blood, by
which they did enter into living covenant with Him who was
their "Life and breath and all things; " whose Providence was
their strength and defence and whose grace was their hope.
And thus by a "fien,' trial" were they fitted to give vital force
to the life, shape to the character and firm foundation to the
social and religious institutions which are our favored heritage
to-dav.

CHAPTER IV.

AN INTERIM OF PEACE, 1678 — I7OO.

Among the names of interest, as connected with these an-
nals, added to the list of settlers since our last enumeration,
were those of Robert Bard well, who is first introduced to the
valley in a military capacity. Thomas Crafts, a refugee from
Deerfield, earlier from Roxbur>', Eleazer Frary of Medfield.
Benjamin Wait, William Scott, probably from Waterbun.' or
Farmington, Ct., Samuel Marsh from Hartford. Samuel Gillet
from Windsor, John Wells from Stratford. Ct., and Dr. Thomas
Hastings from Watertown.

The wastes of war had been great. With the loss of life
and buildings, the neglect of the fields and the derangement of
trade, everything had been set back. Farm employments had
been so difficult and dangerous that only the necessaries of life
had been obtained — no more had been attempted — and the
brush and wild grasses had made encroachments and the fences
were fallen down. In many respects it was like beginning
anew. But though sorely crippled the settlers seem not to have
been disheartened. They set themselves in earnest to repair
the waste, re-establish their homes and add to their comfort and
conveniences. Apple and quince trees were more commonly
planted, and now, for the first time, houses were built on the
"Hill." west of Mill River.

A larger breadth of land was put in corn, wheat, flax, and
barley for malting was more commonly raised. The destruction
of their sheep had made a scarcity of wool, and these agricul-
tural products and malt were needed to meet the increased

36

demand for taxes and as a medium of exchange for some for-
eign luxuries which now, for thefirst time, appear to have been
introduced into this part of the valley.

War always loosens the restraints and vitiates the simpler
tastes of home life. It engenders a heedless, arrogant spirit,
destructive alike of habits of economy and regard for the rights
and feelings of others, and brings into play the more selfish
passions. Its maxim is that "Might makes right," and hence
too often, even in wars of necessity and defence, it comes to be
an acknowledged principle that the end sanctifies the means.
With the return of peace there usually comes a period of extrav-
agance and lawlessness.

The quartering upon our people of so many officers and
soldiers from the older settlements, many of them of the wealth-
ier classes, had introduced new social ideas and awakened a
desire for dress and other accompaniments of rank. These mil-
itan.- men were looked upon as their saviors, and, of course,
demanded their gratitude and kind consideration. They gladly
shared with them their homes and the best provisions their
straitened circumstances permitted. A petition sent to the Gen-
eral Court by the friends of Rev. Mr. Russell of Hadley, whose
house was the headquarters of the army, gives us some insight
into this matter. They sa}-:

"The chief gentlemen improved in the affairs of the war
were entertained there, which called for provisions answerable.'
and was of the best to be had ; that he had to draw divers bar-
rels of ale and much wine, and fruit suitable to the company;
and had no more credit for such company by the week or meal
than other men [had] for ordinary' entertainment."

Perhaps all could not command for their guests such meats
and drinks, but there is no doubt that all furnished "The best
to be had." Very naturally these ofiicers, especially the lower
grades, who were brought more directly in contact with the peo-
ple, instilled some of their own feelings and social theories into
the minds of the young men and maidens. Very naturally the
latter wanted to appear well in the eyes of the former and
adopted some notions not exactly consistent with their present
impoverished condition. Very naturally they coveted the lux-
uries and copied the fashions prevalent at Boston and Hartford.
Very naturally linsey-woolsey had to give place to silks, and
laces and ornaments came to be regarded as essential to fully
set off natural charms, to the great grief of staid old fathers and
mothers and the offence of the magistrates.

37

The laws of the colony which regulated matters of dress
and ornament, and family expenses, and restrained excesses,
have been much criticised and often held up to ridicule, and
sometime adduced in proof of Puritan intolerance and narrow-
mindedness. These early fathers certainly differed greatly in
opinion from us, but they differed as greatlv in condition. Per-
haps in their circumstances they were as wise and tolerant as
their children.

To show the grounds and reasons for their sumptuan,' laws,
as understood by themselves, the act "Against excesse in appar-
rell," passed 14 October, 165 1, is here copied in full:

Although severall declarations and orders have bin made
by this Courte against excesse in apparrell, both of men and
weomen, which have not taken that efiect as were to be desired,
but, on the contrary, wee cannot but to our greife take notice
that intollerable excesse and bravery hath crept in uppon us,
and especially amongst people of mean condition, to the dishon-
nor of God, the scandall of our profession, the consumption of
estates, and altogether uusuiteable to our povertie ; and although
we acknowledge it to be a matter of much difficultie. in regard
to the blindnes of mens minds and the stubbornes of their willes,
to sett downe exact rules to confine all sorts of persons, yett wee
cannot but account it our duty to commend unto all sortes of
persons the sober and moderate use of those blessings which,
beyond expectation, the Lord hath bin pleased to affoard unto
us in this wilderness, and also to declare our utter detestation
and dislike that men or weomen of meane condition should take
uppon them the garbe of gentlemen, by wearing gold or silver
lace or buttons,, or points at their knees, or to walk in greate
bootes, or weomen of the same rancke to weare silke or tiffany
hoodes or scarfes, which though allowable to persons of greater
estates, or more liberall education, yett wee cannot but judge it
intollerable in persons of such like condition; itt is therefore
ordered by this Courte, and the authority thereof, that no per-
son within this jurisdiction, of any of their relations depending
uppon them, whose visible estates, reall and personall, shall not
exceede the true and indifierent valew of two hundred pounds,
shall wear any gold or silver lace, or gold and silver buttons, or
any bone lace above two shillings pr. yard, or silk hoods, or
scarfes, uppon the penaltie of tenn shillings for every such
offence, and every such delinquent to be presented by the graund
jury.

And forasmuch as distinct and particular rules in this case
.suiteabie to the estate or quallitie of each person, cannot easily
be given, itt is further ordered by the authoritie aforesaid, that
the selectmen of every toune, or the major part of them, are
heereby enabled and required from time to time to have regard
and take notice of apparrell in any of the inhabitants of their

38

severall tounes respectively, and whosoever they shall judge to
exceede their rancks and abillities in the costlines or ffashion of
their apparrell in any respect, especially in the wearing of rib-
bons or greate bootes (leather being so scarce a commoditie in
this CO jatrie). lace pointer, &c. silke hoodes or scarfes, the
selectmen aforesaid shall have power to assesse such persons so
offending in any of the particulars above mentioned, in the
country rates, at two hundred pounds estates, according to that
proportion that such men use to pay to whom such apparrell is
suiieable and al'owed, — provided this lawe shall not extend to
the restraint of any magistrate or publicke officer of the jurisdic-
tion, their wives and children, who are left to their discretion in
wearing ot" apparrell, or any settled millitary officer or souldier
in the time of millitary service, or any other whose education
and imploiments have bin above the ordinary degree, or whose
estates have bin considerable, though now decaied.

Under this law, at the March term of the court for Hamp-
shire county, 1676, "The jury presented sixty-eight persons,
viz., thirty-eight wives and maids and thirty young men, some
for wearing silk and that in a flaunting manner, and others for
long hair and other extravagancies." Joseph Barnard and his
wife Sarah, and his sister Sarah, Thomas Crafts, Jonathan
Wells and the wife of Thomas Wells, Jr., "Were fined ten shil-
lings."

In September, 1682, the selectmen of the five River towns
were all "presented" to the Court for "Not assessing, according
to law," those of the inhabitants of their several towns that
"wore silk" and "Were excessive in their apparel."

But the public sentiment had undergone a change. The
young man could fight the Indians as well as his father, and
personal courage was a passport to favor; and the young men
and young women combined and declared their independence.
They — the young women — put on all the silks, scarfs and gold
rings they could induce their brothers snd beaux to purchase
for them and defied the law ! Of course the law was a dead
letter.

There is another law of the colony, not often referred to but
important, as showing the temper of the times, which I will
quote in this connection. It will help explain some of the cus-
toms of the early settlers, to be described more fully hereafter.
It is the order of the court of 14 May, 1656, "Requiring ye
improovement of all hands in spinning:"

This Court, taking into serious consideration the present
streights and necessities that lye uppon the countrie in respect
of cloathing, which is not like to be so plentifully supplied from

39

forraigne parts as in times past, and not knowing any better
way and nieanes conduceable to our subsistence than the im-
prooveing of as many hands as may be in spining woole, cot-
ton, flax, &:c.

Itt is therefore ordered by this Court and the authoritie
thereof, that all hands not necessarily imploide on other occa-
sions, as weomen, girles and boyes, shall and hereby are en-
joyned to spinn according to their skills and abillitie; and that
the selectmen in every toune doe consider the condit'on and
capacitie of every family, and accordingly to assesse them at
one or more spinners; and because several families are necessa-
rily emploied the greatest part of theire time in other busines,
yet, if opportunities were attended, some time might be spared
at large by some of them for this worke.the said selectmen shall
therefore assesse such families at half or a quarter of a spinner,
according to theire capacities.

Secondly, that every one thus assessed for a whole spiner
doe, after this present yeare, 1656, spinn, for thirty weekes every
yeare, three pounds pr. weeke of linin, cotton or woollen, and
so proportionably for half or quarter spinners, under the penal-
tie ot twelve pence for every pound short ; and the selectmen
shall take speciall care of the execution of this order, which
may be easily effected, by deviding their several tounes into
tenn, six, five, and to appoint one of the tenn. six or five to
take an account of theire division, and to certifie the selectmen
if any are defective in what they are assessed, who shall im-
proove the aforesaid penalties imposed upon such as are negli-
gent, for the encouragement of those that are diligent in their
labour.

This "mind" of the court was in force not latterly as a law,
but as a custom, for nearly one hundred and fifty years.

As a further illustration of the condition of families in those
early times and the convenience of housekeeping, and the kind
and value of stock and tools upon a good farm, the inventory of
Lieut. William AUis, taken Sept. iS, 1678, is herewith ap-
pended:

In purse and apparrell,

Arms and ammunition,

Beds and their furniture.

Napkins and other linen.

Brass and pewter pieces,

Iron utensils.

Cart and plow irons, chains, stilliards,

Tables, pitchforks, cushions, sythe,

Barrels, tubs, trays,

Woolen and linen yarne.

Several sorts hi grain, flax,

2 horses,

3 cows, 2 steers, 2 calves, i heifer,

£9

13

0

6

r

0

9

5

0

o

I

0

5

ID

0

^

r I

6

7

5

0

r

19

0

3

9

6

0

iS

6

1 1

12

0

7

0

0

20

0

0

/lO

8

0

lOO

0

0

114

0

0

136

0

0

20

0

0

28

13

0

40

Swine and sheep,

Houses and home lot,

Land in South meadow,

"Land in Great and Little meadow,

Land in Plain and Swamp,

Land in Quinepiake,

^496 06 6

Pastures. — Cows and- sheep were pastured on the "Com-
mons" lying to the west and northwest of the street. Young
stock of all kinds was "marked" and turned out to run at large.
As soon as the cattle became sufficiently numerous, i. e., about
1680, a cow-herd was employed. An agreement is recorded by
which a man agreed to keep the town herd from early in May
to Sept. 29, for twelve shillings a week, payable in grain. He
was to start the herd in the morning by the time the sun was an
hour high, take them to good feed, watch them and bring them
in seasonably at night.

The date, Sept. 29. is named because this was the time
when all crops on the intervals were required to be gathered,
and after which the proprietoTs pastured the cows in their
enclosed fields until the snow fell. The care taken that none
should be deprived of religious ordinances, is evinced in the
vote of the town requiring every owner of cows or sheep to take
his turn in tending the herd on the Sabbath. Thus gi\dng the
cow-herd or shepherd an equal share in the rest and privileges
of holy time. Hatfield had two hundred and seventy-three
sheep in 169 1.

By a law of the colony a dog that bit or killed sheep was to
be hanged. Usually the guilty dog was taken to the woods, a
leaning staddle was bent down, and a cord was fastened to the
top and to the dog's neck; the elastic sapling then sprung back,
with the dog dangling in the air. Sometimes both cats and
dogs were hanged at the short end of the well-swipe, as is relat-
ed by Sylvester Judd in the History of Hadley.

Bashan. — About this time, probably in 1682, the meadows
lying north of Great meadow were divided and allotted among
the inhabitants. No doubt the planters and mowers, as they
worked close up to Little Pond, had often looked wishfully over
the ridge to the goodly and fruitful land beyond. No wonder,
as they saw its noble oaks and walnuts ^nd its fat pasturage,
they named it Bashan.

Like the other meadows, this tract was first divided into

41

two parts, now known as Old Farms and West Farms and each
of the then fifty-eight proprietors received a'lot in both parts.
Three or four houses were built on Bashan near this date. The
cellar holes of two of these houses and stones used for the chim-
neys may now, or could till recently, be seen on land of R. H.
Belden, Esq.

One of these houses was "fortified," as appears from the
records of [695, but owing to their great distance from the vil-
lage and the difl&culty of getting to and fro, especially during
the spring freshets, and their exposure to Indian assaults, they
were abandoned for a time, perhaps permanently, about the
time of. the breaking out of the war of 1703.

When David Graves built in the Straits, thirty years later,
some of the timbers from one of these Bashan houses was trans-
ferred and used in the frame of his dwelling house (the old
Stockbridge Tavern). Possibly the Bashan settlement was not
finally abandoned till about 1728.

The Major Daniel Dennison grant, lying north of the Great
Pond in Hatfield and extending one rod into said pond, contain-
ing 500 acres, was given by his will to his daughter, Elizabeth,
who married John Rogers of Ipswich, Mass. The will was
dated 5 Nov., 16S8. After she was a widow she sold the whole
tract to William Arms for i^ico in current money. It was
bounded east on Great river, north on Bradstreet's grant, west
on Hatfield commons and south on the Great meadows.

This was bought by Mr. Arms as an agent for a company
of seven, viz.: William Arms, Joseph Field, Robert Bardwell,
Samuel Field, Daniel Warner, Stephen Jennings and Samuel
Gunn.

The Four Divisions of Commons. — Up to 1683 only a
small portion of the lands in Hatfield township had been dis-
tributed among the inhabitants. All the River meadows north
of Bashan, and all the uplands west of the "Hill" and the
Straits road, were lying common and used for general pasturage.
But now these upland Commons were divided and apportioned
among the settlers.

Oct. 21, 1684. — "The town hath agreed to divide the Com-
mons in the town (except what is reserved for home lots, sheep
pastures, etc., ) to every inhabitant, according to his present val-
uation of estates ; and the said Commons shall be laid out in
four divisions, the first to begin upon the plain behind the Mill
and end at the northerly line of the uppermost lot laid out in

42

Mill River swamp ; the second to begin at the north side of the
uppermost lot in the Mill River swamp and end at the north
side of the town bounds ; the .third division to begin at the
northwest side of the highway that goeth towards Northampton
and from the hill commonly called Sandy Hill and end at the
rising up of the side of the hill called the Chestnut mountain;
the fourth division to begin where the third division endeth and
to end at the outside of the town bounds."

As will appear from this vote, the whole territory lying
westof the River meadows was marked off into two parallelo-
grams, one embracing the land between the said River meadows
and Chestnut plain road, and the other the tract west of this
road. These main divisions were then cut by an east and west
line running nearly parallel to though not coincident with the
present south line of Whately. The whole of the second and
fourth, and nine lots in the third division, also nine lots in the
first division lay in Whately.

Each Hatfield inhabitant then holding real and ratable
estate, sixty-nine in number, received a lot in each of the four
divisions. The principle of distribution, i. e., the size of each
man's lot was, "According to the present valuation of estates."
This, of course, made great diversity in the size of the lots.
The allotment thus made in 16S4 was confirmed in 1716, and re-
confirmed in 1735.

The eastern boundary of the second division of Commons
was very irregular. For a short distance, it ran on the bank
west of the wet swamp, afterwards called Hopewell ; then on
the west line of the Gov. Bradstreet farm; and from the north
line of this farm to the north line of the town it extended to the
Connecticut river.

After the division of the Commons according to the vote of
the town of Hatfield, passed 21 Oct., 1684, confirmed in 1716,
and reconfirmed in 1735, it was discovered that after settling
the boundary line between the towns of Deerfield and Hatfield,
that several of the mo^t northerly lots did not run through to
Chestnut Plain street, which was the western boundary of the
second division of Commons, as they should. We find that
the town of Hatfield passed the following preamble and vote
relative thereto:

"Whereas, the lots in the .second division of Commons in
Hatfield were originally laid out running west and by north and
east and by south, and the said division was to run to the north

43

side of the town bounds, agreeable to the town of Hatfield
records, in ye year 1684. And, whereas, the dividing line be-
tween the towns of Hatfield and Deerfield is a line running east
and west, as finally settled by the general court. And the com-
mittee that was employed to stake out the several divisions of
Commons in the year 1743, found several of the northernmost
lots in this division were cut ofif and by running the course of
the division met with the dividing line between the said towns,
so. as to make the said lots triangular. And the proprietors —
owners of said lots — are cut ofif from their just proportion of
land, as originally granted them. And it appearing to tlie pro-
prietors that a line run north and south at the west end of the
second division is 885 rods, 7 feet and i inch, which is 135 rods.
12 feet and 5 inches less than the width of said lots at ye east
end. And that each proprietor hath f^ just claim to have his
lot run through said division from east to west.

"Therefore, voted that said division be staked out anew and
that each proprietor have his proportion, as to the width staked
out to him both on the east end and on the westerly part, upon
a north line from the northwest corner of the uppermost Mill
swamp to Deerfield bounds (according to the true intent of the
original grant, as near as may be), and that the several lots in
the division be staked out so much narrower on the westerly
part, as that the said triangular lots may run through to the
highway, on the west side of Mill River swamp, and have their
proportion on said west line with the other lots in said division,"

We also here give a copy of the record of a preamble and
vote recorded in the Hatfield town records, in reference to the
fourth division of Commons :

At a meeting of the proprietors according to adjournment
upon Nov. 14, 1748. It was voted :

"Whereas, the committee that was employed in the year
1743 to stake out the second division of Commons in the six-
mile grant, in Hatfield, have reported at this meeting that in
staking out the fourth division they found there was wanting of
land to complete the breadth of each proprietor's lot, as staked
out in the year 17 16, 124 rods, 3 feet and 6 inches, which les-
sens each lot two feet upon ye rod (occasioned by the settlement
of the line between this town and Deerfield). The committee
have, therefore, lessened each lot in that proportion and set up
stakes, marked with the two first letters of each original pro
prietors's name, accordingly."

44

At a meeting of the proprietors of four divisions of Com-
mons, in Hatfield, held by adjournment Dec. 5, 1748.

"Voted, that the committee chose the third of November
last to search the records and enquire of those learned in the
law. what method the}' shall proceed in affect to the second
division, and be directed to perform said service as soon as may
be, and make report to this meeting at the time it may be
adjourned. Then voted, that this meeting be adjourned to
Monday, the 12 inst.. at one of the clock in the afternoon, then
to meet at ye house of Mr. Elisha Allis, innholder in Hatfield."

At a meeting of the aforementioned proprietors held by
adjournment Dae. 12, 174S, at the house of Elisha Allis:

"The committee, chosen Nov. 3, 1748, report agreeable to
the direction of the proprietors. They have searched the rec-
ords and obtained the advice of some gentlemen of ye law
respecting the Commons, particularly the second division, which
the gentlemen reduced to writing, and is as follows:

Northampton, Dec. 6, 1748. — In the case of the Commons,
Hatfield, referred to us. We are of the opinion that the Com-
mons are legally brought, a propriety, that each proprietor must
have his right in the second division, this from east to west.
. The vote in the margin that the course of the lots is to be. east
by south and west by north, notwithstanding, and to have their
proportion at each end. Signed, Tim ° . Dvvight, Phineas Ly-
man, John Worthington."

From the foregoing votes of the inhabitants of Hatfield is
our authority for the correction of the figures giving the width
of the several lots in the second division of Commons, Mr. Tem-
ple copying the first, or erroneous records, instead of the records
of 1748. As will be seen, the difiBculty was at the west end of
the division (on Chestnut Plain street). The second division
measured from the northwest corner of the Mill swamp lots 885
rods, 7 feet and i inch, while the east end measured 102 1 rods
and 3 feet, making a difference of more than 135 rods.

These lots in the second division were laid out in half miles
and called the first, second, third and fourth half miles. The
first half mile extended from Chestnut Plain street east to Alon-
zo Crafts' corner, or Claverack road ; the second half mile
extended to the remains of an old drain about two rods west of
C. R. R.R. station ; the third half mile extended to within about
16 rods of the west line of the Gov. Simon Bradstreet grant.
The average widening of the lots, as you go from the west to
the east, is 31.1915 rods to the half mile.

45

We now give the following, copied from Hatfield records,
dated Oct. 21, 1684. The first division of Commons began
upon the plain behind the mill. The lots run west and by north
and east and by south, abutting against a highway westerly;
part of them against the clay pits and stone pits; part against
Mr. Williams' lot, against the land of John Wells, Benjamin
Wait and Samuel Belding ; part against the hill ; part against
the pond, and part against the hill by the Great swamp, all east-
erly, containing in all 69 lots as follows:

No. I, Samuel Graves,

No. 2, Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr.,

No. 3, Thomas Mason, Jr.,

No. 4, Town lot,

No. 5, Mr. Atherton's heirs,

No. 6, Martin Kellogg,

No. 7, Samuel Marsh,

No. 8, William Gull,

No. 9, John Allis,

No. 10, Mr. Chauncey,

No. II, Benjamin Wait,

No. 12, William Arms,

No. 13, Philip Russell,
A highway,

No. 14, John Cow'les,

No. 15, W^idow Graves,

No. 16, Edward Church,

No. 17, Richard Morton,

No. iS, Obadiah Dickinson,

No. 19, Samuel Gunn,

No. 20, Samuel Allis.

No. 21, Widow Fellows,

No. 22, Samuel Taylor,

No. 23, John Hubbard,

No. 24, John Coleman,

No. 25, John Wells,

No. 26, Daniel Belding,

No. 27, Thomas Bracy,

No. 28, Samuel Baldwin,

No. 29, Thomas and Noah Wells, come in lot 48.

No. 30, Thomas Hastings, 9 rods 5 feet.

A highway, 10 rods —

No. 31, Eleazer Frary, 25 rods —

33 rods

wide.

9 rods

12 feet.

8 rods

7 rods

— prob.

for road

I 2 rods

14 feet.

5 rods

14 feet.

9 rods

12 feet.

26 rods

6 feet.

48 rods

5 rods

12 feet.

20 rods

13 rods

19 rods

—

TO rods

37 rods

—

10 rods

•

25 rods

28 rods

6 feet.

1 1 rods

2 feet.

5 rods

8 feet.

19 rods

—

II rods

12 feet.

2 1 rods

6 feet.

17 rods

37 rods

6 feet.

25 rods

13 rods

I r feet.

5 rods

27 rods

6 feet.

46

No.

32,

Samuel Foote,

II rods

14 feet.

No.

33'

Isaac Graves,

14 rods

6 feet.

No.

34.

Walter Hixon,

7 rods

12 feet.

No.

35^

Joseph Boardman,

5 rods

14 feet.

No.

36,

Beriah Hastings,

ID rods

—

No.

37'

Samuel Partridge,

10 rods

No.

38,

Hezekiah Dickinson,

9 rods

No.

39.

John White,

14 rods

13 feet.

No.

40,

John Field,

20 rods

8 feet.

No.

41.

Robert Page,

4 rods

8 feet.

No,

42,

Joseph Field,

9 rods

4 feet.

No.

43.

Stephen Tailors' heirs,

3 rods

10 feet.

No.

44.

Samuel Kellogg,

15 rods

8 feet.

No.

45.

Samuel Gillett's heirs,

5 rods

4 feet.

No.

46,

Daniel White,

24 rods

12 feet.

No.

47.

Samuel Field,

1 1 rods

No.

48,

Noah Wells,

7 rods

10 feet.

No.

49,

John Steel,

5 rods

ID feet.

No.

50.

John Graves,

15 rods

10 feet.

No.

51.

Samuel Carter,

5 rods

8 feet.

No.

52.

Ephraim Beers.

6 rods

8 feet.

No.

53.

Samuel Billings' heirs,

6 rods

—

No.

54.

Samuel Wells,

10 rods

2 feet.

No.

55.

Thomas Loomis,

18 rods

No.

56,

John Smith's heirs,

5 rods

3 feet,

No.

57.

Daniel Warner,

37 rods

—

No.

58.

Joseph Belknap,

24 rods

8 feet.

No.

59,

Benjamin Barrett,
A highway.

5 rods
10 rods

4 feet.

No.

60,

Nathaniel Dickinson,

40 rods

—

The

i remaining 9 lots are in Whately.

No.

61,

William King,

5 rods

14 feet.

No.

62,

Thomas, Meekins, Sr.,

13 rods

2 feet.

No.

63,

Samuel Graves, Jr.,

9 rods

2 feet.

No.

64.

Stephen Jennings,

14 rods

10 feet.

No.

65.

William Scott,

14 rods

I foot.

No.

66,

Samuel Belding, Sr.,

31 rods

6 feet.

No.

67.

Stephen Belding,

14 rods

12 feet.

No.

68,

Samuel Dickinson,

32 rods

No.

69.

Robert Bardwell,

10 rods

4 feet.

1086 rods II feet.

47

The lots in WTiately measure 146 rods, i foot, 6 inches.

The second division of Commons, abutting upon a high-
way on the west side of the Mill River swamp (Chestnut Plain
street so called), and part against the wet swamp and part
against the Great river easterly. This measurement is on the
west end.

rods

feet

inches

No

I

Daniel White,

28

5

2

No.

2

Stephen Tailor's heirs

3

0

4

No.

■^

J

Walter Hixon,

8

2

I

No.

4

Samuel Gunn,

5

6

II

No.

5

John Smith's heirs,

3

16

4

No.

6

Widow Graves,

9

II

9

No.

7

Thomas Hastings,

8

9

5

No.

8.

Samuel Allis,

18

9

II

No.

9.

Mr. Chauncey,

6

14

I

No.

10,

Richard Morton,

27

7

4

No.

II,

Hezekiah Dickinson,

8

9

5

No.

12,

Benjamin Wait,

19

12

3

No.

13-

Edward Church,

24

14

8

No.

14,

William King,

5

6

II

No.

15.

John Allis, •

45

II

10

No.

16,

Samuel Kellogg,

II

T3

I r

No.

17.

Martin Kellogg,

5

6

II

No.

18,

Joseph Belknap,

22

5

2

No.

19.

John Wells,

21

2

—

No.

20,

Samuel Marsh,

10

—

4

No.

2r,

John Coles,

31

12

2

No.

22,

Samuel Dickinson,

28

5

2

No.

23.

Philip Russell.

18

4

3

No.

24,

Town lot,

6

1-4

I

No.

25.

Ephraim Beers,

6

14

I

No.

26,

Robert Page,

4

9

I

No.

27.

Samuel Graves, Jr.,

7

II

7

No.

28,

Thos. Meekins, Jr. 's heirs, 6

9

6

No.

29.

Daniel Belding,

12

9

6

No.

30.

Robert Bardwell,

9

2

6

No.

31.

Samuel Partridge,

9

7

3

No.

32,

Benjamin Hastings,

9

7

3

No.

33.

Stephen Belding,

12

14

3

No.

34.

Samuel Wells,

9

2

6

No.

35.

Samuel Field,

10

15

2

48

No.

No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No,
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.

rods

feet

Inches

36

John Coleman,

31

12

2

A highway, Christian lane,

ID

—

37.

Thomas Bracy,

5

2

6

38,

Isaac Graves,

13

6

6

39

Samuel Belding, Sr.,

28

I

5

40

William Scott,

12

14

3

41

Joseph Field,

8

13

II

42,

Samuel Foote,

II

2

5

43

Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr.

, 6

4

4

44

Samuel Carter,

4

9

I

45,

Samuel Gailord.

22

5

2

46

Widow Fellows,

II

/

ID

47

Samuel Billings' heirs,

5

12

—

48,

William Gull,

25

2

2

49,

Thomas Meekins, Sr.,

12

14

5

.SO,

Samuel Gillett's heirs,

5

6

r I

51

John Steel,

5

6

1 1

52

Joseph Bodman,

5

6

II

53

John Graves,

9

54

included in Noah Wells'

55-

John Field,

II

16

5

56

Thomas Loomis,

9

12

7

57

John Hubbard,

9

10

10

58

Stephen Jennings,

7

15

2

59

Samuel Belding, Jr.,

15

9

10

60

Samuel Graves, Sr.,

8

12

2

61

John White,

8

12

2

62

William Arms,

7

9

1 1

63

Noah Wells.

4

7

4 .

64

, Mr. Atherton's heirs,

7

10

II

65

, Obadiah Dickinson,

6

2

8

66

, Benjamin Barrett.

4

2

6

67

. Daniel Warner,

20

4

5

68

, Eleazer FrarA',

14

8

7

69

, Nathaniel Dickinson, Sr.

, 21

7

5

70

, overplus to Mr. Williams

, 8

3

10

00

879

The third division as copied from Hatfield records as laid
out 21, October 1684, beginning at the northwest side of the
highway that leadeth to Northampton and all the sandy hill.

49

rods

feet

No.

I, Samuel Graves, Sr.,

137

No.

2

Nathaniel Dickinson, Sr.,

217

—

No.

3-

William King,

5

9

No.

4,

John White,

13

12

No.

5

Samuel Carter,

5

2

No.

6,

William Scott,

13

No.

7

Ephraim Beers,

6

I

No.

8

Joseph Boardman,

5

10

No.

9

Obadiah Dickinson,

13

No.

ID

Robert Page,

4

3

No.

II

John Graves,

14

8

No.

12

Samuel Tailor,

19

12

No.

13

Eleazer Frary,

23

I

No.

14

Thomas Bracy,

4

12

No.

15

John Field,

18

16

No.

16,

Stephen Jennings,

13

.9

No.

17.

Town lot,

6

8

No.

i8,

John Smith's heirs,

5

2

No.

19

Walter Hixon,

7

2

No.

20

Widow Graves,

ID

I

No.

21

Benjamin Barrett,

4

^5

No.

22

Samuel Foote,

II

r

A highway,

10

—

No.

23

, William Gull,

25

5

No.

24

Thomas Meekins,

12

3

No.

25.

Samuel Wells,

9

5

No.

26

Samuel Belding, Jr.,

26

7

No.

27

Daniel White,

23

—

No.

28

John Cowles,

34

3

No.

29

Daniel Belding, Sr.,

13

2

No.

30

Samuel Dickinson,

29

II

No.

31

John Hubbard,

15

12

No.

32

, Robert Bardwell,

9

6

No.

33

Martin Kellogg,

5

.7

No.

34

, Rev. Hope Atherton's heirs.

12

12

No.

35

, Thomas Loomis,

7

6

No.

36

, Mr. Chauncey,

5

7

No.

37

Stephen Belding,

13

II

No.

38

, Noah Wells,

7

2

No.

39

Thomas Hastings,

8

10

No.

40

, Samuel Graves, Jr.,

8

5

50

rods

feet

No. 41, Joseph Belknap,

22

II

No. 42

Joseph Field,

8

8

No. 43

Philip Russell,

12

I

No. 44

Thomas Meekins, Jr.,

7

5

No. 45

John A His,

44

4

No. 46

Hezekiah Dickinson,

9

4

No. 47

Isaac Graves,

13

5

No. 48

John Steel,

5

4

No. 49

Stephen Tailor,

4

6

No. 50

Samuel Partridge,

9

3

No. 51

Daniel Warner,

34

3

No. 52

Samuel Gillett's heirs,

5

2

No. 53

Samuel Allis,

17

9

No. 54

Thomas Wells, with Noah Wells

No. 55

Samuel Marsh,

9

I

No. 56

John Wells,

23

3

No. 57

Samuel Field,

10

3

No. 58

William Arms,

12

2

No. 59

Samuel Belding,

29

3

No. 60

Samuel Kellogg,

14

5

No. 61

Samuel Gunn,

5

2

No. 62

Edward Church,

23

2

No. 63

Benjamin Hastings,

9

4

No. 64

Widow Fellows,

10

15

No. 65

Richard Morton,'

26

5

No. 66

Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr.,

9

I

No. 67

John Coleman,

34

II

No. 68

Samuel Billings' heirs.

II

—

No. 69

, Benjamin Wait,

18

9

No. 70

, an overplus of about

6

1281 6

Ending with ye uppermost lot laid out in Mill River swamp.
These lots were laid out east and west bounded by Mill swamp
lots highway east, and on the end of the six miles from Great
River west.

Nine last lots of this third division are in Whately, 147 rods,
16 feet Tsdde in all.

The fourth division of Commons, laid out 29 April, 17 16.

This division is bounded east by Chestnut Plain street,
north by Deerfield and Conway, west by the west town line and
south by the third division.

51

rods

feet

inche

No.

I,

Joseph Field,

9

9

No.

2,

Widow Graves,

9

15

3

No.

3.

Samuel Foote.

1 1

7

—

No.

4,

William Arms,

7

12

9

No.

5-.

Stephen Belding,

13

3

—

No.

6.

Robert Bardwell,

9

6

—

No.

7.

Samuel Allis,

19

6

No.

8,

Samuel Dickinson,

29

—

No.

9.

Rev. H.Atherton's heirs

, 9

15

—

No.

lO.

John Coleman,

32

3

6

No.

II,

Hezekiah Dickinson,

8

13

—

No.

12,

Samuel Wells,

9

6

—

No.

13.

David White,

29

—

—

No.

14,

John Smith's heirs.

4

I

6

No.

15.

John Field,

12

5

—

No.

16.

Widow Fellows,

II

II

4

No.

17.

John Steel,

5

8

10

No.

18,

Edward Church,

25

8

—

No.

19.

Nathaniel Dickinson, Sr.

,21

16

No.

20,

Daniel Warner,

20

12

3

No.

21,

Eleazer Frary,

14

5

4

No.

22,

Samuel Gailor,

'-»o

14

No.

23.

John Cowles,

32

8

6

No.

24,

William King,

5

8

10

No.

25,

Samuel Gillett's heirs,

5

II

6

No.

26,

John Hubbard, •

9

14

6

A highway.

9

—

—

No.

27,

John White,

8

15

7

No.

28,

Samuel Belding, Jr.,

15

16

I

No.

29.

Samuel Field,

1 1

2

—

No.

30.

Samuel Belding, Sr.,

28

13

4

No.

31.

Ephraim Beers,

7

6

No.

32,

Daniel Belding,

12

14

6

No.

33.

William Gull,

25

12

4

No.

34,

Samuel Carter,

4

10

ID

No.

35.

Stephen Tailor's heirs.

3

2

7

No.

36.

Thomas Wells, with Noa

h.

No.

37.

Samuel Partridge,

9

1 1

—

No.

38,

Thomas Lnomis,

9

16

2

No.

39.

Samuel Kellogg,

16

3

II

No.

40

, Obadiah Dickinson,

8

II

—

52

No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.

41
42

43
44
45
46

47
4S

49

^o

v./

5t

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59
60

61

62

63
64

65
66

67
68

69

roil 3

Thos. Meekins, Sr.'s hr's, 13

Richard Morton, 28

Mr. Chauncey, 7

Robert Page, 4

John Allis, ' 45

Samuel Gunn, 5

Samuel Graves, Sr., 8

Martin Kellogg, 5

Thomas Meekins' heirs, 7

Isaac Graves, 13

Benjamin Barrett, 4

Thomas Bracy, 5

Town lot, 7

Benjamin Hastings, 9

Samuel Graves, Jr., 7

Joseph Boardman, 5

Samuel Billings' heirs, 7

John Graves, 9

Joseph Belknap, 22

Samuel Marsh, 10

I'hilip Russell, . 19

Noah Wells, 4

Thomas Hastings, 8

Walter Hixon, 8

Stephen Jennings, 6

Benjamin Wait, 20
Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr., 6

JohnWells, 23

William Scott, 13

feet
2

10

14

8

15
8

1 1
6

4
6

I I

15
8
6

3
14
4
5
9

13
6

2
3

5
12

3

lnche»

6
10
10
10

7

10
I
8
6
6

10
1 1

5

6
I

6

10

887 1 .3

It is proper to say that the lot left for a highway between
lots 26 and 27 was never used for that purpose. This would
have made the road west between the houses of Horace Man-
ning and Donovan brothers, while it actually was built near
the house of W. I. Fox, but later changed to south of the pres-
ent hotel and the Doctor Bardwell house to accommodate Elijah
Allis at the time he built the hotel in 1820, the town assent-
ing thereto.

Perhaps in this connection it will be proper to say that
the method of division of the Commons was upon the estates as

53

inventoried by the assessors. The following schedule will show
the difference in a few of the valuations : Ichabod Allis, 132^,
7s; while Josiah Scott, 25^, iSs; Joseph Scott, 28/^; Benjamin
Scott, b£ and David Graves, 23^", 4s, 6d. So the large inven-
tor}' received a wide piece of land, while the small tax payer
but a nap'ow one. The same method of division was used in
the dividing of the three-mile addition, now a part of Williams-
burg, and also in the division of the S064 acres, known as the
Hatfield Equivalent (the eastern part of Hawley). The three-
mile addition was granted by the General Court in 1695 and
allotted to the inhabitants in 1740. The Hatfield Equivalent
was granted and the allotment made in 1744, on the basis of
estates. The man of large estate received a large area, while
the man of small estate received but a small amount of it. As
the history of Hawley says: "\'erily, to him that hath shall be
given, and to 'him that hath not shall be taken away even that
which he hath." The lots were from two to four miles in length,
over hills and swamps and arable lands, but perhaps not over
five or six rods wide, wholly unsuited for a farm, while the
wealthy man, like Mr. Allis, had a strip 293 rods wide and
three miles long, making over 1500 acres.

Among the Whately inhabitants I find the names of John
Waite, Abner Dickinson, David Graves, Josiah Scott, Josiah
Scott, Jr., Joseph Scott, Benjamin Scott, Elisha Smith, Joseph
Belden, Ebenezer Bardwell, who were among the number who
had lands in the three-mile addition and Hatfield Equivalent.

It will be noticed that allusion is often made to the Mill
swamp division. This was a meadow on both sides of Mill riv-
er, varying in width from 40 to about 55 rods. These lots were
divided among Hatfield residents, only three or four of them lying
in Whately. The north lot is now owned by Rufus M. Swift, east
of Mill river, and on the west side by Ashley G. Dickinson.

It was intended that the north line of the Mill swamp divi-
sion should be coincident with the south line of the second divi-
sion of Commons. There is really only about 15 feet of differ-
ence. The Mill swamp line is about that much too far north to
exactly correspond. The lines in the second division run at a
different point of compass than those in the Gov. Bradstreet grant.
so when the lots extended past the Gov. Bradstreet grant to the
Connecticut river there were several lots from 15 to 20 rods wide
on the bank of the river that were gores, running to points
before reaching 250 rods, the width of the Bradstreet farm.

54

Each lot was reduced in width about two feet to the rod, at
the we<t end' of the second division of Commons, so each lot is
wedging, and we here gi\'e the per cent, of increase in width
from Chestnut Plain street to the Connecticut river, for each
half mile.

The width on Chestnut Plain street is SS6 rods, 7 feet, 4
inches, or in decimals 8S6.4394 rods.

First half mile, 917.7250 rods.

Second half mile, 94.7. 6S23 rods.

Third haif mile, " 979.4722 rods.

Fourth half mile, loi i .2054 rods.

Increase in all for the second division, 124.7660 rods.
The Major Gen. Dennison grant and the Gov. Simon Brad-
street grant demand considerable of our attention. In 1659 a
erant was made to Gov. Bradstreet of 500 acres, to be located
by him by some unoccupied lands on the west side of the Con-
necticut river. Gov. Bradstreet had the first choice, and took
500 acres in Hatfield noith meadow, and Maj. Dennisou took
his 500 acres north of Bashan. This last extended from one
rod in Hatfield pond north on the line of the river one mile,
and west from the Connecticut river, 250 rods.

After much agitation over Gov. Bradstreet's location, the
town exchanged with him, allowing him 1000 acres lying aijd
abutting upon the Maj. Dennison farm, and extending north on
the line of the Connecticut river two miles, with the width of
250 rods west from the river. This brought the whole of the
Bradstreet grant into Whately. In addition to the increased
amount of land, the town had to pay Gov. Bradstreet 200 pounds
sterling. Gov. Bradstreet died in 1697 and after his death
Edward Church, Robert Bard well and Samuel Partridge were
among the syndicate who purchased the farm of his heirs. It
is probable that there was a company of 10 interested in the
purchase, as I find that Samuel Partridge, Jr., sold to John
Belden of Hatfield his interest (i-io) one-tenth part of the Gov,
Bradstreet farm. The deed bears date of 1 1 Jan., 170^2, really
1702, and conveys his right, viz.: one lot in each of the four
divisions ; two lots in the north, or upper mile, containing 50
acres; the two lots in the southern mile, containing 14 acres,
lying east of the highway, as agreed upon by the proprietors,
the remaining 36 acres lying west of. the said highway, and as
yet undivided, to be divided as the proprietors may ag-ree.

55

The boundaries then were as follows: The first half mile,
south on the Maj. Dennison farm, north on land of Robert Bard-
well, east on Connecticut river and west on the highway ; the
second half mile bounded south on land of Robert Bardwell (he
owned the north lot in the first half mile and south in the sec-
ond half mile), east on Great river, west on the highway and
north on the south lot in third half mile ; the third half mile
bounded east on Great river, west on second division of Com-
mons, south on Dea. Church land and north on Robert Bard-
well land ; the fourth half mile, east on Great river, west on
Hatfield woodlands, or second division of Commons, south on
Robert Bardwell land and north on Dea. Church land and sec-
ond division of Commons.

Speculation in land was active and the owners were often
changed, and the names we give as the owners in 1719 were
soon entirely changed as settlements in the north part of Hat-
field progressed.

The proprietors of the Dennison and Bradstreet grants were
finally found acting together in holding their meetings and in
keeping their records. And having made copious extracts from
their book of records, and realizing the importance from a
historical point of view, I will now make some extracts from my
notes.

In 1S83 I helped survey out the Bradstreet farm, measuring
carefully from south to the north side and from the Connecticut
river west on three points, and found it slightly in excess of
250 rods, perhaps the slight curving in the river bank would
account for that, yet at each place measured it was slightly in
advance of 250 rods. We will give an extract from the deed of
Josiah Scott, Sr., who owned the uppermost lot, to hisson, Josiah,
Jr., and he givesthe boundaries thus : "Weston second division
of Commons, east on Great river, south on land of Dea. Dickin-
son and north on the second division of Commons, containing
37^4 acres, 24 rods wide, 250 rods long east and west on which
I now live, with the buildings thereon, d^ted 6 Nov., 1745."

Mr. Scott was then 84 years old and was in his old age
cared for by Josiah, Jr. But he had formerly lived in the Straits,
on the place owned by the heirs of Charles F. Pease, as will
appear from these votes passed by the proprietors of the Brad-
street farm. "At a legal meeting 16 May, 1718, voted by said
proprietors to allow a highway to run from the upper end of the
first (or lower mile) mile, three rods wide to Deerfield road."

56

This language is plain and explicit. • The upper end of the
first mile was near the paint miJl of Elihu Beldcn, the site, of
Belden's sawmill. This road was afterward moved to accommo-
date Mr. Scott, asshownbvthe following vote ; "\'oted, 1 1 May,
1730, by the proprietors of Bradstreet farm. That they allow
Josiah Scott, Sr., the use and pre-improvement of the highway
to the country road, Josiah Scott, Sr., binds himself and his
heirs to said proprietors, that he will allow them a good 'sofish-
ant' highway from time to time, and at all times, for the use and
benefit, and also to provide and maintain a 'sofishant' great
gate, to lead out to Dt^erfield road." This allowed Mr. Scott to
move the road south where the hill was less difficult.

At the meeting held 16 May, 171S, it was also voted by said
proprietors "That we will have a highway to run through the
upper mile in the most convenient place." And now we find
that Josiah Scott and Ebenezer Bardwell were appointed to
make and set up great gates, convenient for carts to pass
through. Then the proprietors voted: "The said Scott shall
set his up between the lower and upper farm (doubtless mean-
ing between the upper and lower mile), and Ebenezer Bardwell
shall set his up at the upper end of the two miles."

Then they voted to complete the fencing of the lower mile.
This was passed by vote of Nov. 27, 172 1, and was to be suf-
ficient to secure the first or lower mile and, when completed,
the fence between the lower mile and the Dennison farm could
be removed. And they had a fence at the upper end of the two
miles, as they voted March 29, 1726, to maintain their propor-
tion of the fence between said farm and Canterbury field and
that tbey in fact took turns in fencing down the river banks.

We have sought to show by these extracts that a road
existed through the Bradstreet farm two miles, connecting it
with Canterbury road to Sunderland, and was practically where
it now runs. And also that houses were built in the Straits
sooner by some years than has been generally supposed. To
further elucidate this last point, I will quote from a deed dated
17 Jan., 1728, from Samuel Wells to Nathaniel Coleman, two
lots in Bradstreet's grant, both of Hatfield. After describing
the boundaries it says: "With all the buildings standing
thereon." These buildings sold by Samuel Wells probably had
been the home of Mr. Wells soon after his marriage, about 1710.
He removed to Connecticut a few 3'ears later.

It seems very probable that these buildings were occupied

57

before 1720, as houses were built at an early date on the Den-
nison farm. It is perhaps proper to say that a syndicate of seven
Hatfield men bought the 500 acre Dennison farm about 1700,
perhaps a little earlier. These were John Field, Joseph Field,
Robert Bardwell, William Arms, Samuel Field, Samuel Gunn
and Andrew Warner.

They laid it out in seven divisions. Each proprietor was
given a lot in each of the divisions from five to 16 acres and 19
poles. They also had in the second division, seven house lots
with roads or streets through the center, on the east side and the
north side. There were four house lots on the east portion and
three on the west. The west lots were assigned to Robert
Bardwell, Samuel Field and Joseph Field. The four east ones
were to S. Jennings, Samuel Gunn, William Arms and Daniel
Warner.

Just how many of these house lots had farm buildings erect-
ed upon them I do not know, but several of them did as within
my recollection the old cellar holes and debris of demolished
buildings remained in plain view, but repeated plowings have
wiped out all remains of the cellars. It was and is valuable
farm land and found ready purchasers.

Even before the house lots were assigned we find that John
Field had sold to Stephen Jennings. Later David Graves was
found here and perhaps his brother, Abraham Graves. The
settlement was compact, as our ancestors well knew that in case
of Indian wars, isolated dwellings were sure to be pillaged and
burned and the occupants murdered or dragged into a terrible
captivity.

As it was they were often fired upon by the bands of ma-
rauding Indians and many a bullet hole was made in the board
covering to their buildings — some pieces of boards were pre-
served for a long time —and the writer was shown one fully
75 years ago as taken from the buildings of his great-grand-
father, David Graves.

The people of the present day have but a slight idea of the
troublous times when at any moment they might be called upon
to defend their wives a^nd little ones from the assaults of prowl-
ing Indians, aside from attacks of wild animals.

Names of the proprietors of Bradstreet grant, [719.

First, or lower half mile.
No.' I, Samuel Gunn.
No. 2, Joseph Smith.
No. 3, Ebenezer Bardwell.

Second half mile.
No. I, John Waite.
No. 2, Ebenezer Morton,
No. 3, Joseph Smith.

58

No.

4.

Samuel Belden.

No.

5

John Belden.

No.

6

John Crafts.

No.

7^

Josiah Scott.

No.

8,

John Waite.

No.

9.

Ebenezer Morton.

No.

lO,

Nathaniel Coleman

No.

1 1,

Thomas Field.

No.

12,

Jonathan Smith,

No.

13-

Zachariah Field.

Third half mile.

No.

I,

Jonathan Cowles.

No.

2

Zachariah Field.

No.

3'

Joseph Smith.

No.

4.

John Crafts.

No.

5,

John White.

No.

6,

John Smith.

No.

/ »

Ebenezer Morton.

No.

8,

John Waite.

No.

9.

Nathaniel Croleman

No.

lO,

Samuel Belding.

No.

1 1,

John Belding.

No.

12,

Ebenezer Bardwell.

No. 4, Thomas Field.
^'^- 5. John Crafts.
No. 6, Zachariah Field.
No. 7, Jonathan Smith.
No. 8, Josiah Scott.
No. 9, Nathaniel Coleman.
No. lo, Samuel Gunn.
No. 1 1 , John Belden.
No. 12, Ebenezer Bardwell.
No. 13, Samuel Belden.

Fourth half mile.

No. I, Ebenezer Bardwell.
No. 2, John Belding.
No. 3, Samuel Belding.
No. 4, Nathaniel Coleman,
No. 5, John Waite.
No. 6, Ebenezer Morton.
No. 7, Jonathan Smith.
No. 8, John White.
No. 9, John Crafts.
No. 10, Joseph Smith.
No. II, Zachariah Field.
No. 12. Josiah Scott.

It now appears satisfactorily that the town of W^hately was
constituted, or made up, from the whole of the second and
fourth divisions of Hatfield Commons or Woodlands, as they
were often called, together with nine lots from the north side of
the first and third divisions.

The nine lots in the first division were 146 rods, i foot and
I inch wide ; and the nine lots in the third division measured
147 rods, 16 feet wide, as measured on Chestnut Plain street,
which was the dividing line between the divisions. On the
west end it measured in all 1025 rods, i foot and 5 inches, while
at the east end on the Connecticut river, including the Gov.
Bradstreet grant two miles up the river, it measured ii57rods,
4 feet and 11 inches, or about 1243^ rods on the east end more
than on the west end, and the same diminishing of width con-
tinued in the fourth division, making all the lots wedging,
while in the first and third divisions no such discrepancy appears.

The importance of retaining the numbers of the lots will
appear when we say that most of the old deeds are for such a lot
of land in such a division in the first, second, third or fourth
half mile, as the land conveyed might lay.

Roads. — The location of the public (in distinction from the
proprietors') roads properly deserves attention in connection with

59

the division of Commons, as both were parts of a common plan.
Taken together the system devised was at once simple and con-
venient, ofivino: each land owner the readiest access to his several
lots. The general plan was roads running nearly parallel with
the river, at about a mile distant from each other, intersected at
nearly right angles by cross roads at convenient distances. All
these highways were originally lo rods wide.

The "base line" of all the roads was the "Straits." which
followed nearly the Indian trail from Umpanchala's Fort to
Pocumtuck. This was practically the dividing line between
the meadows on the one hand and the Commons on the other.
It was very early accepted as a county road.

The next in importance, if not in time, was the read over
Chestnut plain. When the Commons were first marked off into
two parallel divisions in 16S4 a space ten rods wide was left
between them unappropriated, to be used when occasion should
require. This is recognized as a road in the records of April,
1716. The vote of the town laying a public highway here bears
date 1756. though several houses had been built on the line some
years earlier. And, w^hat is worthy of note, this highway was
not surveyed and definitely located till it was done by Whately
in May, 1776.

Probably the Poplar hill road, the road from Spruce hill
south over Chestnut mountain, and the Claverack road, were
designated early, but no vote laying them out as highways has
been found on Hatfield records. The highway from Deerfield
line by Abraham Parker's (previously a "close road," with
bars), to the Bradstreet proprietors' highway, near R. T. Mor-
ton's corner, was laid out in 1756 and, at the same time, the
said proprietors' highway was accepted as a public road.

This ran originally south of the cemetery and struck the
Straits below the John Waite place. In 1755 a road w^as laid
from the Straits eastwardly "byEbenezer Morton's" to the road
dividing Old farms and West farms, thence to Dennison's farm.
Considerably earlier than this a path had been marked out and
traveled from the Straits, near "Mother George," northwesterly
through "Egypt," to Chestnut plain. This had several
branches, one of which was the Conwpiy path, used by the emi-
grants from the Cape, in 1763. This was the only feasible road
for teams between the east part and the centre of Whately till
near the time of its incorporation. The road now kno\v'n as
Christian Lane was originally a reserved lot in the second divi-

6o

sion of Commons and was only a bridlepath, or at best a log
causeway, for many years.

Private roads — or proprietors' highways — all of which had
bars or gates, were laid when needed. Such was the path from
Hatfield street to Great meadows, and later to Bashan, and later
still continued northerly through Dennison farm by the "Old
Orchard." Such, also, was the road from the county road near
"Mother George" and "Hopewell" and another, further north,
from Benjamin Scott's to near Joshua Belden's.

But to return to our narrative. The tide of settlement
which started northward into Bashan in 16S2, was arrested by
the breaking out of King William's war in 16SS. Taught by
past experience the Hatfield settlers had not neglected prepara-
tions for a possible renewal of hostilities. They had extended
the lines of palisades so that they reached two hundred and
twent3'-nine rods on one side and two hundred and forty-six
rods on the other, enclosing the greater part of the village.
The house of Mr. Williams was fortified, as were three houses
on the Hill and one at the farms. "Watches" were set at night
and "warders," or day watches, were employed from May i.st to
the time of "The fall of the leaves," the Indians, as a rule mak-
ing their attacks while the leaves were on the trees, for better
concealment, or in the dead of winter. A guard was always
stationed in or near the meeting-house upon Lord's days and
lecture days and public meeting da^'s.

All males from sixteen to sixty, except those exempted by
law, were required to train four days in a year. But now for a
time stricter watches, and wards and almost daily scoutings were
kept up and, though there were no important battles in the
neighborhood, small skulking parties of Indians kept the people
on the alert. As early as 1687, Hatfield had a full militia com-
pany of sixty-four men. John Allis was the first captain. In
1690, Hatfield had eighty soldiers.

To understand the care and cost of these military precau-
tions it may be stated that at this time the pay of a private sol-
dier was six shillings per week ; drummer and corporal, seven
shillings; clerk and sergeant, nine shillings ; ensign, twelve shil-
lings; lieutenant, fifteen shillings; captain, thirty shillings; the
pay of mounted men, and most of the scouting was performed
by troopers, was twenty-five per cent, higher. For subsistence,
the price of board for soldiers on the march was eight pence per
day, soldiers in garrison, three shillings and six pence per

6i

week. Many were billeted in families and fared the same as
their hosts. The ordinary rations were pork or beef, bread or
dry biscuit and peas. When on expeditions they often carried
the Indian food called Nocake, i. e., Indian corn parched and
beaten into meal. Sometimes rum, sugar, pipes and tobacco
were furnished the troops. When horses were fed at grass the
price per full day was three pence ; at hay and provender, six
pence.

Sept. 1 6, 1696, the Indians came suddenly upon Deerfield
village and took Daniel Belding and two children, Nathaniel and
Esther. They killed El'zabeth, his wife, also three children,
Daniel, John and Thankful, and wounded Samuel and Abigail
who recovered, though Samuel's skull was fractured. The
remaining children hid among some tobacco which had been
hung to dry in the attic, and were not discovered.

The middle of July, 1698, four Indians came into the upper
part of North Meadow, where men and boys were hilling corn,
and killed John Billings, aged twenty-four, and Nathaniel Dick-
inson, Jr., thirteen, and took Samuel Dickinson, aged eleven,
and a lad named Charley. They shot at Nathaniel Dickinson,
Sr., and killed his horse, but he escaped. This war lasted ten
years.

Taxes. — The burden of taxation, on account of the Indian
wars, was heavy on the young settlement. The "Country
rates," nearly the same as our state taxes, assessed on the.
estates and polls of Hatfield for the three years, 1675-6-7,
amounted to ^117. In 1692 this tax was ^184. A part of this
was payable in grain and part was a money tax. The latter
was regarded as especially severe for, according to a statement
in a petition sent to the government, "Not one in ten of the
inhabitants df the county have any income of money in any
manner." In a like petition, Hatfield said "Money is not to be
had here." In one or two instances the Court agreed to com-
pound the money rates by receiving "Corn at two-thirds the
country pay prices." Sometimes a respite or abatement was
granted. "In ans' to them of Hattfeild. it is ordered, that the
rates of those of that toune who have bin impoverished by the
late cruelty of the innemy burning doune their habitations, shall
be respitted and left in their hands untill the Court shall give
further order therein." [Colony Rec, 30 Oct., 1677].

A single "country rate" was aa assessment of one shilling
and eight pence on males over sixteen years old and one penny

62

per pound on real and personal estate. Once only a tax was
levied on females. In June. 1695, it was ordered that single,
women who earn a livelihood should pay two shillings each, be-
ing one-half as much as the poll tax of males for that year.

The prices at which "country- pay" was receivable for taxes
were from time to time fixed by law. Oct. 15. 1650. "Itt is
ordered by this Courte that all sortes of corn shall be paid into
the country rate at these prizes following, viz.: Wheate and bar-
ley at five shillings pr. bushell : rye and pease at four shillings;
Indian, at three shillings, marchantable."

The payment of the Province tax of Hatfield in time of war
required no transportation. This being a frontier town, sol-
diers were constantly quartered upon the inhabitants who were
expected to charge the stipulated price for subsistence, etc., and
this amounted to a much larger sum than the town tax. The
charges allowed Hatfield, up to May i, 1676, for feeding men
and horses and supplies for various expeditions, footed up £788.
In October, 1680, there was still due the town on these war
charges ;^400. This was fully paid by the Govemm-ent before
1684.

Besides the country' rate there was a county rate, payable
like the former, and at the same prices, in grain; the minister's
rate, payable in grain at town prices (which were lower than
country- prices) ; the town rate to discharge town debts ; and
various others of special character, such as scholars' rates, herds-
men's and shepherds' rates, bridge rates, etc. When a rate was
duly assessed by the rate-makers the list and the whole matter
of adjustment was put in the hands of the constable who settled
with each individual and carried the balance (of grain) due to
whomsoever was entitled to receive it.

To show how accounts with the town were balanced some
examples, copied from the constable's book, are subjoined;

Hatfield, January 20, 1695.
Ensign Frary

To goeing to ye Bay deputy 29 days
ditto, goeing to ye Bay 10 days at 3s
ditto, goeing to ye Bay 20 days at 3s
more writeings at money
To keeping ye Bull one winter |
To Assessing 3 days at 2-9 j

By his Money Rate

4

07

0

I

10

0

3

00

0

0

08

0

I

05

6

/lO

10

6

0

04

II

«i3

6y his Corne Rate

By Dea. Church 3-1 1 : Wid. Russell pay 2-6

By Rich. Morton 11-9

By Noah Wells 13-7: pd. in money ^3 5

By John Wells 6-2 ; Wid. Warner 3-9 |

By money paid him at ^i 49 )

By money paid him at

By payment by Sergt. Belding

By Stephen Belding, Constable

0

08

3

0

06

5

0

II

9

3

18

10

I

14

8

I

08

0

I

00

3

0

17

5

/lO 10

Thomas Nash

To bnrneing woods 2 days 4s

To goeing out with ye Committee 1-6

By his Come Rate 3-8 : Sam'l Partrigg i-io

Deacon Coleman

To assessing 4. days los : allow' ce for trooper 4d £0
By Noah a trooper 4d : Part of Town Rate los o

Samuel Graves, Drummer,

To his Saller\' for 1695 £1 ; Sam'l Partrigg

, for Mr. Williams
By his Corn Rate 4-4 ; Isaac Graves 7s
By his Money Rate 2-7 : Sergt Belding 6-7

lo

05

6

£0

05

6

£0

10

4

0

10

4

£r

00

6

0

I r

4

0

9

2

£1 00

Doctor Hastings

To make up his Salary ^12 18 6 ; one

Trooper 3d
By Sergeant Hubbirt
By D. Church 2-9 ; B. Hastings 2-9
By Dea. Coleman 2-5 ; Doctor's Rate 2-6
By Joseph Field 3-1 1 ; Stephen Taylor 1-9
By Sam. Billing 5.6 ; D. Coleman 3-8
By Sergt. Wait 6-11 ; Jona. Smith 6-2
By Jno. Cowls i8s ; N. Wells 6-2, Lt. Wait 2-
By S. Kellogg, Jr., 2-11 ; Wm. Gull 3-10
By Nath. Foote 2-1 ; Jno. Field 13-9
Bypd. to ye Doctor by several
By pd. to ye Doctor by several

12

18

9

0

08

0

0

05

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0

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8

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09

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0

13

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07

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0

06

9

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15

10

4

16

2

3

06

5

£12 18

CHAPTER V.

SETTLEMENT OF THE NORTH PART OF HATFIELD.

One reason why the north part of Hatfield remained so long
unsettled is already apparent. The Whately plains, Mill-river
swamp and Hopewell were favorite hunting grounds for the
Indians. Bears, deer and wild turkeys, as well as smaller
game, were plenty, and fur-bearing animals abounded in the
brooks. Both deer and bears were found here till 1750, and
wild turkeys were not uncommon in 1S25. Till 1697, eight or
ten families of red men, known as Albany Indians, but perhaps
a mixed remnant of the Norwottucks, continued to come yearly
to Hopewell and, in one or two instances, they remained through
the winter. One of their camping grounds was on land now owned
by Stephen Belden, Esq. They roamed the woods at will and
often came to the village to beg or barter. They were com-
monly considered peaceful though they were distrusted and
sometimes watched.

Two years before, in 1695, a party of these Indians, while
hunting near Ashuelot, were attacked and eight or nine of them
killed. The English charged the assault upon hostile Indians,
but the tribe charged it upon the English. From this date, these
visitors became more unwelcome and some restrictive measures
were adopted. The number of Indians in the Hopewell camp
at this time was twelve men, nine squaws and twenty-three
children. Early in October, 1696, four of them, while on a
hunting excursion on the east side of the river, shot Richard
Church out of revenge for some real or supposed insult received
from Hadley men. The murderers were tracked, captured,

"55

identified, tried, convicted and sentenced, and two of them,
Mowenas and Mcqiirlas, were "shot to dtath" at Northampton.
This murder led to the disarming of all the Indians then resident
in the immediate neighborhood and to such stringent measures
as induced them to quit the valley the t.ext spring.

Another reason which had an influence to discourage settle-
ment here was that plain lands, such as the tract lying next
west of the river bottoms, were considered worthless for all pur-
poses except for wood and pasturage.

But another, and of itself a sufficient reason, was that Hat-
field did not own the intervals north of Bashan, except a narrow
strip near the Deerfield line. The Indian deed covered the
whole territory, but this conveyed a doubtful title as against the
right of eminent domain vested in the Government, and in the
act of incorporation there was the condition "Reserving propri-
eties formerly granted to any person."

For the first forty years the Colonial Government was accus-
tomed to give away lands in large tracts to individuals of high
civil and ecclesiastical rank, often as an acknowledgment of,
rather than in payment for, services rendered the Colony, though
in some cases it was in settlement of claims. These individual
grants were often made arbitrarily, with little regard to town
lines, or even existing town grants. Sometimes the General
Court made grants, leaving the location optional to the grantee.
Hence a clause was usually inserted in township grants "Reserv-
ing proprieties formerly granted to any person." Most com-
monly the grantee had a choice in the selection and commonly
chose the most valuable lands.

As an instance of the careless way in which the General
Court disposed of territory the following may be cited : A grant
of eight thousand acres was made to Dedham in 1665, and laid
out at Pocumtuck. But when Hatfield was incorporat'id, five
years later, its north line was placed "Six miles from Northamp-
ton north line," to conform to the line specified in the Indian
deed, which carried said line over into the eight thousand acre
grant one and three-quarters miles. The duplication was of
course unintentional, and was remedied by granting the Dedham
proprietors an equivalent lying northwardly of their first sur-
veyed grant.

Settlements. — Mr. Temple gives several reasons why
Whately was not earlier settled. We deem one or two reasons,
not mentioned by him, as more potent than those enumerated.

66

First. The population of Hatfield had not become suf-
ficiently numerous to compel, or even induce, the sparse popula-
tion to leave their pleasant homes, where each additional man
served to add to the feeling of securit> — that could not be found
by isolation. Roaming bands of Indians were liable to attack any
weak or comparatively defenceless position or habitation, even
as late as 1745, and so in the war at a later period, 1750 to 1761,
when we finally captured Canada.

It will be noticed that from the commencement of this war
our forces acted upon the defensive. In 1761 we finally stopped
the incursion of Indian marauders by capturing Canada. Our
forces commenced acting on the aggressive early in that war.
It had been a time of general peace fiom 1726 to King George's
war in 1744. During the time of peace settlements had been
made in the Straits, which Mr. Temple considered worthless
except for wood and pasturage. Then Hatfield did not own the
meadows north of Bashan, not as a town, yet Hatfield people
did, having purchased the Denuison and Bradstreet grants. So
it will be seen his reasons assigned are fallacious.

Second. The Commons comprising the whole town of
Whately were outlying lands. These were cut into narrow strips
extending from tn? and one-half miles to two or three and a
half long, some of them were not over four or five rods. Forty-
nine of the sixty-seven lots in each division were less than 15 rods
wide with several less than five rods. Now, while these lots
were held by persons to whom they were granted, the idea of
settling on the lot for the purpose of making a farm was practi-
cally out of the question. As soon as these lots began to be
sold off, we find that settlements were made. But you can but
notice that after the capture of Canada, and Safety was assured,
settlers came in with rapidity and in a short space of time, only
about ten years later, the settlement was incorporated as a dis-
tinct town.

As an illustration of the method taken to acquit a farm
suitably compact to warrant a location and the erection of suita-
ble tarm buildings, we will give a few examples. Deacon Joel
Dickinson bought a part of lots on the west end, extending east
one-half mile, Nos. 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33, giving him a
width of a little over 53 rods, or a farm of 53 acres. Benoni
Crafts bought on the east side of the road, in the second divi-
sion, lots 57, 58, 59, 60 and 61, extending east half of a mile,
giving a width of some over 53 rods. Here were lour lots from

^7

seven to nine rods each and only one lot of 15 rods. No one of
these would have sufficed for a farm alone. So until the owners
were willing to sell so as to make a compact farm, there was no
attempt to build.

We think the owners of the Gov. Bradstreet grant were dif-
ferently situated as Samuel Wells built on his lot about 17 10 to
1715, as near as we can now get at it. He sold in 1728 and re-
moved to Hartford, Ct., where he died. Josiah Scott, Sr., built
on the Deerfield road, yet in Bradstreet's, probably as early as
1718. Later, about 1728, he built farm buildings one and one-
half miles north for his son, Josiah, Jr. After the death of his
wife he went to live with Josiah, Jr., March 6, 1745. Deeded
him the upper farm, located at the extreme north part of Brad-
street's, for 400 pounds. His son, Josiah, Jr., was a man 46
years of age at this time, and was living on land that his father
owned and buildings that he had built for his son, after the close
of Queen Anne's war. in 17^3.

Building in the Straits commenced after the close of the
war, from 1722 to 1726, and quite a number of houses were
built, but you will notice that they were all in the Bradstreet
grant, and in no other part of the town until the aggressive war
in 1754-61 against Canada was commenced, and ended in its
capture from the French, and all fear of Indian raids from that
prolific source had ceased.

Bradstreet's Grant and Dennison's Grant. — In
1659, about the time the township of Hadley was allowed to the
petitioners from Connecticut, a grant of 500 acres was made to
Mr. Simon Bradstreet, one of the magistrates and afterwards
Governor of the Colony, and five hundred acres to Maj. Gen.
Daniel Dennison. They had liberty to locate these lands "At
any place on the west side of the Connecticut river, provided it
be full six miles from the place intended for Northampton meet-
ing-house, upon a straight line." Bradstreet, who had the first
choice, took his five hundred acres in Hatfield North meadow
and Dennison took his north of Bashan. Dennison's farm ran
one mile north and south on the river and west two hundred and
fifty rods.

As the North meadow included nearly one-fourth part of the
valuable interval granted to Hadley and was not "Six miles
from Northampton meeting-house," the town petitioned to have
Bradstreet's grant vacated, but without avail. After a five
years' struggle the town, out of justice to the west side pro-

68

prietors. was obliged to purchase of Mr. Bradstreet the North
meadow, for which he exacted 200 pounds and one thousand
acres of land elsewhere. "In answer to the petition of Samuel
Smith, for and on the behalfe of the toune of Hadley, the Courte
judgeth it meete to grant the thousand acres of land mentioned
in their petition, next to Maj. Gen. Dennison's land, to the
toune of Hadley, on condition that they make agreement with
the worshipful Mr. Bradstreete for the five hundred acres lying
within the bounds of their said toune. 18 May, 1664."

From this act of the Court, it would appear that Dennison's
and Bradstreet's farms adjoined, though Bradstreet's west line
was one mile from the river, while Dennison's was onl}' two
hundred and fifty rods. Bradstreet's north line was the upper
side of the wood lot lying northward of the Elijah Allis farm
and his west line was a little to the westward of the Straits road.
His length on the river was one and a half miles.

Gen. Dennison died in 1682, and some years after his farm
is found in possession (probably by purchase) of John Field,
William Arms, Robert Bardwell, Daniel Warner, Samuel Field,
Samuel Gunn, Joseph Field and Andrew Warner, who, with
their successors, held and managed it as joint proprietors till
after 1735, and is all in Hatfield.

Gov. Bradstreet died in 1697. His farm, like Dennison's,
was purchased and held in joint proprietorship, though each
owner had his specified lots. It appears from the proprietors'
records, that this farm was first divided into two parts, the
northern part, known as "The upper mile," the southern part,
known as "The lower mile." Each of these was cut in by a
road running north and south where the present river road runs.

For the purpose of regulating fences, highways, etc., the
two proprietaries of the Dennison and Bradstreet grants united
and held joint meetings and kept common records.

Hopewell. — The original name of this tract was "Wet
Swamp." but it was called by its present name as early as 1700.
The name appears to have been at first applied to the swampy
lands li'ing west of Dennison's farm. It now has a more gen-
eral and indefinite application.

"1700. J.nnuary 3. A record of eight lots in the Wet
Swamp, alias Hopewell, in Hatfield: To Samuel Partridge,
Sen., the first lot, being fourscore rods in length, twenty-six
rods in breadth, the lines running west by north half a point,
from the west, H. by S. half a point, containing thirteen acres.
To Ensign Eleazer Frary, second lot; Lt. Dau'l White, third

69

lot; To Ensign Eleazer Frar}', fourth lot; John Graves, Sen.,
fitth lot; To Sa:nael Gr.ives, Sen., deceased, his heirs, th.- sixth
lot; To John Graves, deciasad, his heirs, the seventli lot; To
Samuel Dickinson, Senior, the eighth lot "

All projected improvements in this portion of the town were
arrested by the war known as Queen Anne's war, which broke
out in 1703 and lasted till 17 13. It was during this war, Feb.
29, 1704, in the dead of winter, that the combined French and
Indians made the memorable assault on Deerfield, where a
nominally Christian nation outdid in cruelty the barbarities of
savage warfare. It does not fall within the sccpe of this narra-
tive to depict the terrible scenes of this massacre, as they have
often been faithfully portrayed. Twenty-two Hatfield men were
in this fight, three of whom, Samuel Focte, Samuel x\llis and
Sergt. Benjamin Wait, were killed. Those of our name taken
captive were : Mary AUis, Hepzibah Belding, Sarah Dickin-
son, Mary Field, Mary Field, Jr., John Field and Marv- Frary.
No more severe battles occurred in the valley, but the
Indians in small parties hung around all the towns and kept the
settlers in a state of constant alarm. Ebenezer Field of Hatfield
was slain at Bloody Brook, Oct. 26, 1708. No traveler was safe
by night or by day. Ordinary business was transacted only
under protection of the militia.

April ir, 1709, Mehuman Hinsdale of Deerfield, while re-
turning from Northampton with his team, was captured by two
Indians and taken to Chamblee. Probably the capture took
place in what is now Whately. He had no apprehension of
danger because the leaves were not out. In the ten years of the
war the number slain in the county was one hundred and three.
One hundred and twenty-three captives were taken, of whom
twenty-four were killed or died on the way to or while in
Canada.

As it was determined by the Colonial Government to main-
tain the Deerfield settlement at all hazards, this became the
frontier town ; and consequently Hatfield was less exposed than
in previous wars and the local histor\- has less of public interest
for record.

«

In this war the Government paid a bounty of ^'10 for Indian
scalps, when taken by enlisted soldiers, and ^100 for each scalp
brought in by the volunteers.

Massachusetts passed an act November, 1706, "For raising
aud increasing dogs, for the better security of the frontiers." In

7^

October, 170S, Connecticut appropriated ^50, "To bring up and
maintain dogs to hunt afcer Indians." It does not appear, how-
ever, that they were of any service in killing or capturing armed
Indians.

Indians. — Indians continued to reside in Whately for
many years after its incorporation at intervals, at least, if not
permanently. Three families or "lodges" were in the west
part of the town, as within the distinct recollection of Orange,
Chester and Charles Bardwell, sons of Lieut. Noah. One cabin
was north of where Edwin Bardwell built his house.

He — Edwin — told me that he had often heard his uncles
relate stories regarding them. "The old brave would get
bravely under the influence of liquor and then fall to abusing
his squaw and the young ones. They often had to interfere and
calm him down." The land west of Edwin's house contained
large quantities of black ash suitable for making baskets and
they made and peddled these. There were two more huts or
cabins southwest of the southwest schoolhouse, one near the
peculiar round knoll, and another east of the house of Willis F.
Wait, some twenty-five or thirty rods just under the hill near
the Haydenville road. These Indians were all well known by
the Bardwell brothers after they were men grown.

Then just north of the land known as "Old Fields," west of
Wells Dickinson's, was an Indian known as Samson Johnson or
Johnson Samson. He had several sons, Eph, Dave and Cyrus,
the last named being half negro. The boys used to work around
in Whately, Conway and Deerfield as late as 1835. After the
birth of Cyrus, the old brave tied up his squaw and whipped her
most unmercifully and gave her a lecture that I have often
heard, but will not relate here.

An anecdote is related of Josiah Scott, Sr., to the effect
that for three successive nights he dreamed that a family of
Indians, li\dng somewhere about a mile from his house, were in
a starving condition. He was profoundly impressed by the
vivid recurrence of the same dream that something was wrong
with his Indian neighbors, and, after eating his breakfast, took
his gun and started out in the deep snow. On the way to the
Indian's cabin he shot a bear. Upon reaching the cabin he
found them sick and entirely destitut-eof food — really in a starv-
ing condition. He went back, dressed the bear and gave them
the meat, and afterv\'ards carried them other things. For this
kind act, it is said, that in all the wars between the settlers and

7^

Indians there never was one bearin,^ the name of Scott
harmed by the Indians.. These or other Indians lived just south
of Sugar Loaf mountain, on land now owned by John N. White,
Esq., or the Fuller place.

One more story is related of Joseph Scott. One Sabbath
morning a deer was seen eating hay where he had fed his cows
and his wife urged him to shoot it, but he said no, if the Lord
intended that he should have the deer he would send him again
on some other day. This proved true for the deer came and he
shot him.

Snowshoes. — These were Indian inventions to enable
them to travel over deep snows in hunting. Their value was
demonstrated in the attack on Deerfield, as the country was then
deemed impassable from the great depth of snow lying on the
ground. In March, rjo4, the General Court ordered five hun-
dred pairs of snowshoes and as many moccasins, for use on the
frontiers. One-fourth of the number were intended for Hamp-
shire county.

On the return of peace, in 1713, the frontiers were pushed
out northerly and westerly. A permanent settlement was effected
on the Housatonic river, at ShefReld. Xorthfield, after being
twice abandoned, was permanently occupied in 17 14.

From this time to the close of the fourth Indian war, which
lasted from 1722 to 1726, nothing of general interest occurred
in this part of the valley. A block house, named Fort Dummer.
after the then Governor of Massachusetts, William Dummer,
was erected in the spring of 1724, about two miles south of
the present village of Brattleboro, where a garrison was main-
tained which served a valuable purpose in protecting the lower
towns.

The only notice extant of any incursion into this town is
the following : "June 18, 1724. Benjamin Smith, son of Jo-
seph of Hatfield, was slain, and Aaron Wells and Joseph Allis
taken when they were loading hay, about three miles north
from Hatfield street." There was just enough of danger to
make people cautious and put them constantly on their guard.

The period from 1726 to 1744 appears to have been one of
assured peace. The out lands for home lots were now more
freely taken, houses were built in more exposed situations and
the proprietors of Bradstreet's farm prepared to locate nearer
to their valuable intervals. One house in each neighborhood
was "picketed," and the settler depended upon this and his own
vigilance and musket for defence.

CHAPTER VI.

WHATELY SETTLED.

During the inten-als of peace the owners of the lands in the
north part of Hatfield, now embraced in the town of Whately.
began to build farm buildings. Before Queen Anne's war one
house was built within our town bounds, that of Samuel Wells,
in 1 710. This was a half mile or more north of the cluster of
houses on the Major Dennison farm. This was afterwards sold
to Nathaniel Coleman and was near the site of Jerry Hafeys'
present house. Later, Josiah Scott, Sr., built where is now the
house of the late Charles F. Pease. As early as 1718 the pro-
prietors built a road from near Frank D. Belden's to Deerfield,
or Straits road, and the said Scott was to erect gates to prevent
the incursion of cattle.

Next, we find several families located near the fortified
house of Joseph Belden, probably not later than 1730. Joseph
Belden's house was on the site of the present Bartlett house, on
what we term Bartlett's corner; so then, we have south of Bel-
den's, Josiah Scott, Sr., David Graves, John Waite and Elisha
Smith while at the north we have Josiah Scott, Jr., Lieut.
Ebenezer Bardwell, and probably Elijah Scott (perhaps he lived
with his brother. Josiah, Jr.,) and Benjamin Scott, who lived
with his father. Josiah. Sr. When about 75 years of age he
lived, or was li\'ing with his son, Josiah, Jr., north of Bartlett's
and he made a deed of that portion of his farm to his son,
Josiah, Jr.

Lieut. Ebenezer Bardwell, and perhaps a Mr. Goss, built
north of Bartlett's corner, near the Scotts. So we find that the

73

Joseph Belden house was central, and was the one to be forti-
fied, and was enclosed with palisades, surrounding from a half
to three-fourths of an acre of land. There the families and their
stock could be secure from molestation by predatory bands of
Indians.

We will only mention a few of the more prominent early
settlers : Abraham Parker, who built in Canterbury', on the
north lots in Hatfield, near the Deerfield line, in 1749, Joseph San-
derson, 1752, both from Groton, and brothers-in-law; David
Scott, 1752; Thomas Crafts built in 1751; Benoni Crafts, in 1760
or '61, built his house: Dea. Joel Dickinson built in 1750 or
sooner, perhaps 174S, directly east of the stockade monument;
Moses Frar^' built where is now the fine residence of Georo:e B.
McClellan, at an early period: Dea. Simeon Waite built on
Christian lane in 1760; Daniel Morton built on the Rufus Dick-
inson place in 1758 or '59; Samuel Carley built on the R. M.
Swift place, from 1764 to '66. As we give in detail all of these
we will use no more space in mentioning others.

Having given much time and labor to the subject of the
place of location, or residence, of many of the earlier settlers of
Whately, and had valuable assistance from that untiring and
persistent antiquarian student, Chester G. Crafts, Esq.. I have
endeavored to give as near as may be the several places of resi-
dence of those who first occupied the premises, with lists, more
or less complete of those who have succeeded them, to near
the present time. Also giving, when practicable, the original
number of the lots in the several divisions and, when known, the
year of building the house, or as close an estimate as we are
able from data in our possession, I will give them in alphabet-
ical, rather than in chronological order.

Allis, Elisha, of Hatfield bought of Thomas Crafts the
western end of the Crafts farm, beginning 190 rods west of
Chestnut Plain street, of lots number' 44 and 45, in 1769, and
erected farm buildings on the Easter or Mt. Easter road to Con-
way. The house was built some 20 rods north of the present
house of Irving Allis. This was first occupied by Capt. Lucius
Allis and subsequently by his son Col. Josiah Allis, who came
on the place in the spring of 1775, then by his son Elijah Allis.
In 1826 Daniel Dickinson bought the farm and built the present
commodious house and seme of the extensive farm buildings.
The Dickinson heirs sold to Elliot C. Allis, and it is now owned
by his son, Irving Allis.

74

Allis, Elijah, removed to the center of the town and was
in trade several years where William Cahill now lives. In 1820
he built the hotel where he remained until 1830 and then built
on the farm, in Bradstreet's grant, where Silas W, Allis, his
g-randson now lives. This farm had several owners — two houses
were upon it. The hotel property was sold to Levi Bush and
has had mam- owners, among them being Loren Hayden, Darius
Stone and several others.

Allis, Russell, lived several years where now is the
Alonzo Crafts house. He bought, April 13, 1814, the place first
owned by Joseph Belden, now known as Bartlett's corner. His
son-in-law, Zebina Bartlett, lived with Deacon Allis and kindly
cared for the old people in their declining years. Then Zebina
W. Bartlett occupied the place and since his decease, George
D. Bartlett has resided there. Before Deacon Allis was Joseph
Belden, Jr., then x\aron Pratt. Deacon Allis built the small
cottage house east on the road to the cemetery for his son-in-law,
Thomas Marsh, about 1816.

Allis, Daniel, owned and lived on the farm since owned
by David Morton, Capt. Rufus Smith and son, Henrv'. The
house was removed 1855 or thereabouts and the farm was sold
to Hiram Smith and E. Smith Munson. The farm is ofi" the
main road about 60 rods north, with a private road leading to it.

Allis, Austin, a son of Daniel, lived at what used to be
called "The City," on the east side of Poplar Hill road next
north of the bridge over West brook, formerly owned by James
Cutter, built about 18 15. The place has since been owned by
Sumner Smith and his heirs. There was an old house on this
site, torn down to give place for the new structure. It was then
an old house and no clue to the original builders can be
obtained.

AsHCRAFT, John, lived in the Straits, about opposite the
old Gad. Smith place, and Ashcraft built the cottage house
about 1848. It is now owned by Henry C. Pease. There had
previously' been a set of buildings on the place and probably
occupied by Nathan Hastings and others before him. This
place is in the Bradstreet grant.

Ashcraft, David, lives on the place built by Chapman
Smith about 1S42. This is also in Bradstreet's grant, and is
about 40 rods south of the road leading to the cemeterj\

Atkins, Solomon, Sr., lived in a house in the Straits on
the east side of the road, near where is the house built by John

75

Woods and now owned by the heirs of Charles F. Pease. The
old house, torn down, was built probably by Josiah Scott and
occupied by his son. Mr. Atkins came from Middletown, Conn.,
about 1778.

Atkins. Solomon, Jr., a tanner and shoemaker, bought
the place where Hubbard S. AUis now lives and built the house
before 1788, as he owned the place before Martin Graves
bought it in 1788. As near as I can learn he bought in 1786.
He also built the square house, now the Congregational parson-
age, for one of his sons, probably Enoch. These are on lot t^o.
34, second division of Commons, on the east side of Chestnut
Plain street. Sold to Stalham AUis, March 20, 1826 and the
square house in 1S34.

Abercrombie, Robert, about 1779, built a house on the
place now owned by William H. Atkins. He came to Whately
in 1776. He married a daughter of Abiel Bragg and bought 55
acres of land of Mr. Bragg and put up a house. This has been
owned by many people, among them Pliny Graves and E. A.
Atkins.

Alexander, Joseph, lived about 1795 or '96, on the Ru-
' fus Sanderson place, or where old Peter Train and his son,
Lemuel, lived. The house was built about 1761, on Poplar Hill
road, fourth division of Commons.

Alexander, Levi, about 1831, built the house at Canter-
bury, since owned by Alfred Gray, George Bates, William H.
Fuller and now by John N. White, probably on lot 68 or 69,
second division of Commons.

Allen, Thomas, came from Connecticut, 1770, and lived
in a house at the lower end of the Straits, west side of Deerfield
road, probably on lot 13, second division of Commons, south of
Josiah Gilbert's some few rods. Afterwards occupied by Ben-
jamin Bacon and was sold in 1791 to Elijah Smith. The house
was gone at least seventy-five years ago, when I was a boy.

Bacon, Benjamin, came from Connecticut in 1774 or '75.
Lived in the Allen house at the south end of the Straits and sub-
sequently removed to the gamble-roofed house, afterwards
vacated by Martin Graves, 1788, now owned by the Quinn fam-
ily. He lived with his son, Philo, and died in 18 14, aged 87
years.

Bardwell, Lieut. Ebenezer. As early as 1736, he
built a house a half mile or more above Bartlett's comer, prob-
ably on land that was owned by his father, in the upper half

76

mile in the Bradstreet grant. This contained 50 acres. His
father died in 1732. In 1752 he sold the place to David Scott
and built in the fourth division of Commons, on lot No. 63.
This was then on the road that was afterwards built across the
wet land north of G. W. and A.J. Crafts' house, where it was
originally laid. This he sold to David Scott Dec. 30, 1760. He
then built what is generally known as the Dexter Dickinson
house. This he sold to Gideon Dickinson, the father of Dexter,
and it is now owned by Jonathan \V. Dickinson, Then he and
his son, Ebenezer, Jr., lived at first in a log house in Claverack
about two and one-half rods south of the present structure, in
T778, then built the farm house now going to decay (1899).
This is on lot 22, second division of Commons.

Bardwell, Samuel, son of Lieut. Ebenezer, in 1766
lived on lot No. 68, fourth division of Commons, at the place
now owned by Wells Dickinson. He sold in 1768 to Nathaniel
Hawks and removed to Ashfield. He bought the east end of
lot 68, fourth division of Commons, of Joseph Billings, March
5. 1760.

Bardwell, Ebenezer, Jr., son of Lieut. Ebenezer, com-
monly known as "Captain George," lived and died at the house-
built b}' his father and himself in Claverack, as did his son,
Asa and grandson Horace, who left the place to Walter W.
Bardwell.

Bardwell, Lieut. Noah, came from Hatfield in 1762,
bought part of lot 20, fourth division of Commons, and built a
log house the year before his marriage. At a later period he
built the large house that he opened as a hotel. This is on the
Poplar Hill road. When he came out to Whately, a good dis-
tance from West brook, there was no road and travelers had
to go by marked trees. The large house has had many owners
and is now owned by Samuel Wills.

Bard%vell, Orange and Chester, bought the farms on
"Dry hill" that were owned b}' Capt. Amasa and Jonathan Edson,
and occupied both places. I do not know whether the Edson
brothers built the farm buildings or not. The Bardwells bought
the two farms in 1797.

Bardweli, Charles, built an addition to the house
where George W. Moore lives, on Poplar Hill road. There
was a small house or shop built there before, but for or by
whom, I do not know.

Bardwell, Capt. Seth, built the house, about 1833, on

77

the site where Ahram Turner, Jr., lived, at the foot of the hill
from the Chester Brown place and next above the Elder Good-
nough house, on the west side of Poplar Hill road. He also
built, about 1S40, on the new road near the woolen factory that
was burned, the house occupied by Lyman A. Munson.

Bardwell, Edwin, built, about 1850, a house and farm
buildings nearly opposite his grandfather's, where his son,
Charles E., now resides.

Bardwell. Otis, built a house and farm buildings east of
the southwest schoolhouse near the bridge over the West brook,
in 1830. The place is now occupied by his son, Henry \V.
Bardwell.

Bardwell, Dr. Chester, built the house, recently owned
by Dennis Dickinson, in 1816 or '17. It is now occupied by
Mrs. G. W. Reed.

Bardwell, Chester, Jr., bought the Dea. Daniel Brown
place about 1859. Now owned by his son, Hiram Bardwell.

Bardwell, Spencer, bought the Elder Goodnough place.
He sold that and bought the Dea. Davis Saunders place on
Mill hill, opposite the mill pond, about 1S65. Now owned by
Dea. Francis G. Bardwell, his son.

Bardwell, Chester 3D, son of Asa, built the house and
farm buildings, in 1840, on lot 50, second division of Commons.
Since owned by Charles R. Crafts, then by Tiiomas Flinn.

Bardwell, Sherman, built the house at the Straits, since
owned by Luther G. Stearns. Now occupied by Dwight Dick-
inson.

Bragg, Abial, came from Watertown and bought the
Calvin S. Loomis place and 115 acres of land of Dea. Simeon
Waite and his son. Gad. The buildings are on lot No. 37, but
his farm included parts of lots 37, 38 and 39, on the north side
of Christian lane and south of the road, and parts of lots 34, 35
and 36. Mr. Bragg sold in 1787 to Dr. Benjamin Dickinson.
Eleazer Frary bought of Mr. Bragg five acres, now known as
the Alonzo Crafts place. After Mr. Frary came Simeon Graves,
Luther Wells, Amasa Lamson and Franklin Graves who pulled
down the old house and built the present one. Alonzo Crafts
built a large barn and tobacco barn. It is now owned by Fred
L. Graves, the blacksmith.

Bardwell, Cotton, bought the Wm. Mitchell place, sold
that and bought the Chester Brown farm about 1870. This
place is now owned by Victor D. Bardwell. His son, Edward
W., bought the John and David Scott place.'

78

Bartlett, Zebixa, bought in 1S03, the Pliny Graves
place. He afterwards bought the Dea. Russell Allis place, now
known as Bartlett's corner, and since owned b}- Zebina W,,
and now by his son, George D. Bartlett.

Barnard, Ebexezer, perhaps with his father. Joseph
Barnard, bought the part of the Capt. Oliver Shattuck farm
which was annexed from Deerfield, in 1787. They came from
Sunderland, and were succeeded by William, and another
house was built for Ebenezer. William was followed by his
twin sons, William and Walter, and the last named sold to
Noah Dickinson. It is now owned by his son, Hiram R., or the
heirs of Xoah.

Beldex. Joshua, from Hatfield, built near Belden's ferry
where Frank D. Belden now resides. Joshua was succeeded
by his sons, Reuben and Aaron. Aaron removed to Amherst
and Reuben to North Hatfield. EHhu took the old farm and
now Frank D. has possession. This is near the north part of
the second half mile in Bradstreet's grant. The place was
bought of man}' different parties, and some west of the road, as
late as 1806.

Belden, Dea.n Elisha, built on Chestnut Plain street
about the time of his marriage in 1764. The house is on lot 22,
second division of Commons. Since his decease it has been
owned by Jacob Walker, ^Villiam Mather, Chester Wells, Luke
B. White, J. I'omeroy Dickinson, J. A. Elder, and now by
William Cahill. Deacon Belden sold to Jacob Walker in 1883,
his house and home lot, reserving a fine farm farther east. He
built the house on lot 22, second division of Commons, on the
Claverack road, where he died in 1808. His son, Elisha, Jr.,
and his son, Allen, and son, Edwin M., followed. It is now
owned by John Halloran and son.

Belden, Joshua, Jr., settled near the south line of
Whately in the Bradstreet grant. He bought the farm, Feb. 5,
1796, including the buildings thereon. It was probably on this
farm that the first set of farm buildings in the limits of Whately
were built, by Samuel Wells, about 1710 or '12, and afterwards
sold to Nathaniel Coleman ; most likely where Jerry Hafifey
lives. An old house was torn down by Richard Tower Morton
earl)- in his married life and the present structure erected. The
old Joshua Belden house was built about 1787 or '88, now
owned by Nicholas Haffey.

Belden, Augustus, built a house that stood where now

79

are the more pretentious premises of Stephen Belden, on the
west side of the Straits road in the Bradstreet grant.

Belden, Seth, built the house that stood where A. W.
Nash built his nice residence, now occupied by his son, Charles
W. Nash.

Belden, Francis, built first a small house and afterwards
put up a brick house. This was burned and his son, Alfred.
built anew. The farm was partly a portion of his father's land
and the first house was built in 1797. This was all in Brad-
street's grant.

Belden, Shaylor F., built a house next north of Jerry Haf-
fey's about 1840. This has been occupied by his son, Alfred S.
Bird, Enoch, built a house and farm buildings on "Grass
hill," about 1790 to '94. His farm was located one mile from
the east line of the three-mile addition to the east line of his
farm, on the road from the Jonathan Waite house and the Capt.
Rufus Smith place on the east side of the road, probably in the
fourth division of Commons. The buildings have been gone a
long time.

Brown, Edward, built as early as 1761 on the west side
of the Poplar Hill road, where now stands the barn of Austin
Brown, his great-grandson. He bought parts of lots 27, 28, 29
and 30, fourth division of Commons. Probably his house was
on lot 28.

Brown, Isaiah, son of Edward, built from 1795 to iSco, a
hous'^ on part of the old farm of his father, and south some 20
rods or more. The house was built on the west side and barns
on the east. This was later owned by Dea. Daniel Brown, and
now by Hiram Bardwell.

Brown, Josiah, son of Edward, bought the Abraham
Turner farm, 116 acres and sixty-three rods, in November, 17S2.
for ;i{^66o. The deed describes him as of Colchester, Ct. Two
exceptions are made in the deed, one of two acres sold to Ed-
mond Taylor, and forty rods sold to Nathan Starks, in the
southwest corner, where is the house known as the Elijah San-
derson place and the Austin .\llis place now owned by Sumner
Smith's heirs. The farm contained parts of lots 39, 40, 41 and
4.2, in the fourth division of Commons, bounded west by Poplar
Hill road. The house stood north of the Easter road and has

«

been gone for years, but the barn remains

Brown, Lieut. John, built on the west side of Poplar Hill
road on parts of lots 46 and 47, fourth division of Commons.

8o

He bought these lots in 1769 and built about 1772 or '73, but I
do not know which lot he built upon. He' kept house here be-
fore his marriage, Dec. 5, 1776, when he married his house-
keeper. This was afterwards owned by his son, Chester, who
built a new house, and then by his son, Myron, who sold to Cot-
ton Bardwell, and it is now owned by \'ictor D. Bardwell.

Brown, William Austin, built a house on the east side
of Poplar Hill road opposite of where the house of Edward
Brown stood, and on part of the old farm, about 1840 or '41.
Now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Elisha L. Grover.

Brown, Joseph, about iSio, bought a house about twen-
ty-five rods south of the house built by Elijah Allis and his son,
Josiah, in 1S30. This house was probably built by Abner Xash,
a brother of Joseph, who had a house a little north of Abner 's.
Both houses are gone, the one vacated by Joseph Brown being
pulled down about 1833. These two houses were both in the
Bradstreet grant. The Nashes were here some time before 1783.
When first married he lived in the Isaac Smith house, in the
Straits.

Bush, Levi, Jr., came to Whately about 1S23. He
bought the Dr. M. Harwood place where W'illiam Loomis lived.
When Loomis removed to Haydenville Mr. Bush bought the
place. It has been occupied by C. R. Chaffee since the death
of Dr. Harwood.

Chapin, Dr. Pevez, bought the Dea. Joel Dickinson
place east of Stockade monument, at the junction of the "Mother
George" road. It is probable that Dr. Chapin built the present
house. The land now belongs to David P. Wells. Dr. Chapin
bought this farm in 1778. It was made up by parts of lots 29,
30. 31. 32 and 33, second division of Commons, fifty-three rods,
eight feet. This extended north from land of Rev. Rufus
Wells to land of Martin Graves. John Lamson bought the lot
later owned b}' John Crafts, where Lamson built the old gable-
roofed house that was for many years a hotel kept by Lamson,
and later by John Crafts. It was destroyed by fire. In its
dilapidated condition it was a nest for gamblers and worse
criminals, and was doubtless burned by general consent some-
where in the 40's Thus the good people disposed of what was
an intolerable nuisance.

Crafts, Thomas, from Hatfield, built on the west side of
Chestnut Plain street, fourth division of Commons. He bought
parts of lots 44 and 45 and built his house in 1751, as the book

8i-

account of his brother, Benoni, charges Thomas for labor, a
part of which was for tending mason on his house. After his
death his son, Seth, continued on the homestead then his sons,
Dexter and Noah, and now Seth B. Crafts owns the place.

Crafts. Benoni, brother of Thomas, came from Hatfield,
probably with Thomas and Gaius. In 1760 or '61 he built a
house on the west side of Chestnut Plain street in the fourth
division of Commons, having bought parts of lots 59, 60, 6r and
62, running west one-half mile, and built a house in 1760 where
now stands the house of George \V. and Asa J. Crafts. It is
Supposed that his brother, Gaius, was a half owner of these lots,
as he built a house a little farther west, but for some reason
failed to marry. He sold out his interest to Joel Graves, and
he later to the sons of Reuben and grandsons of Benoni'. Eras-
tus lived in the Joel Graves house where his children were bom,
while Cotton and Caleb lived at the old house. The Gaius
Crafts house, which was never plastered, was torn down
about 1837.

Crafts, John, son of Thomas, bought the gable-roofed
house of Joel Lamson, about 1773. This was near the site of
Samuel Lesure's house. Justin Morton informed me that the
year he was 14 years old the Lamson house and Moses Graves
house were built. The Moses Graves house was built by John
Waite. Jr., before his marriage and his first son, Solomon, was
bora Oct. 15. 1768, and as Uncle Justin was boni in 1760 the
probabilities are that he got two stories mixed, as he told me
one day that a butternut root would travel as fast as his old
black mare could and he could easily drive her forty miles in a
day. The lots were No. 32 and 2)3-

Crafts, Moses, built a log house, north of where George
Brown lived, on the north part of his father's farm, on the west
side of the road, about 1778. This he removed to Claverack,
near the crossing of the Northampton Extension railway, on
lots of No. 14 and 15 in the second division of Commons.
This was pulled down and farm buildings erected in 1806 by his
son, Thomas. This is now the ell part of the house erected by
Thomas and Elbridge G. Crafts in 1840. John M. Crafts now
lives there.

Crafts, Graves, bought in 1785, of Benjamin Wait, a
log house where nearly all of his great family were born. About
the time that his son, Israel, was married he built a frame house
which has been remodeled, raised up a story and otherwise im-

82

proved, making it a beautiful residence. The place contains
parts of lots 51. 52 and 53, fourth division of Commons and
extends west. Graves Crafts was succeeded by Israel and he
by his son, Charles D., and the property is now owned by Dan-
iel Dickinson's heirs.

Crafts, Joseph, built a house on Mt. Esther; on the road
to West Whately known as Easter road, west of the place known
as "Coon dens." This was about 1785. This house has long
been gone and a butternut tree is growing in the cellar hole.
A large family was raised here, and some strange thoughts
passed through my mind as I sat upon the beautiful grass plot
and followed in my mind the eight or nine children born to
them. I thought of their childish gambols and plays more than
a hundred years ago, and traced their active and useful lives
in the several states where they were scattered. Then looking
over the ground where never more will a house exist, I won-
dered why a man of common sense should ever locate in such
an out-of- the-way, as well as unsuitable, locality.

Crafts, Eli, built the house now owned by Micajah
Howes about 1S55, on the street sometimes called "Lover's
lane."

Crafts, Silas, built the house on the east side of Chest-
nut Plain street on lot 55, second division of Commons, now
occupied by Dwight L. Crafts. The house aud farm buildings
were erected about 1847.

Cutter, James, lived in a house on the east side of Pop-
lar Hill road, on the south side of the bridge, several years.
This he sold, with an acre of land, in 1829 to Reuben Jenney
for $200. Who built the house, or when, I do not know, and
it has been gone more than fifty years.

Crafts, Rufus, built a house in Claverack, on the east
side of the road, in 18 10 or '11. This was afterwards owned by
his son, Ralph E. Crafts, and now by his son, Bela K. Crafts.

Crafts, Chapman, built the house on the opposite side of
the road in 184.2. He moved to Wisconsin, and Prof. Robert
D. Weeks lived on the place several years. Then Ralph E.
Crafts bought it.

Crafts, James M., built a house on the Daniel Morton
place in 1866. This was burned in 1873, with most of the other
buildings, together with over 100 cases of tobacco and most of
the farming implements and household fixtures, entailing a loss
of fully $10,000 above the insurance.

83

Crafts, Chester G., built the house east of the depot at
East Whately, in 1867. This is now owned by John H. Pease
and is on lot 37, second division of Commons.

Coleman, Nathaniel, lived in a house where Jerrys Haf-
fey now lives. This was probably occupied by mmy families,
as this is the place where it is supposed Samuel Wells built not
far from 17 10. In a few years he sold it to Nathaniel Coleman,
perhaps after he removed to Hartford somewhere about 17 12 to
'15. The deed, dated 17 June, 1728, conveys the property to
Mr. Coleman probably removed from Whately, and it is quite
probable that the Nathaniel, who lived and died in Whately,
springs from the same stock. He was born in 1742 and died in
1816 and, I think, this was the first house built in our town
limits, about 1820. R. Tower Morton tore down the old house
and built the present structure. Carlos Swift lived there some
years and several others, including George Dane, before it was
bought by Mr. Haflfey. Nathaniel Coleman was in town in 1771
and was taxed.

Coleman, Noah, came from Hatfield. He bought of
Moses Frary the George B. McClellan house and owned the
land on both sides of the road. That on the east side was in
the Mill swamp division, while that on the west side was in the
third division of Commons. It is possible that the first house on
this farm was built by Moses Frar>' as he owned a large lot in
the Mill swamp division, but he only remained in Whately a
very few years when he sold out and removed to Ashfield, but if
he sold to Noah Coleman, as it looks as though he did, then it
is sure that as he was well off financially, that he fitted up the
place in good shape, had no children, and they adopted Seth
Frary, son of Eleazer of Hatfield, and he inherited the entire
estate.

Coleman, Niles, came from Connecticut in 1773 on lot No.
21, second division of Commons. The house was a little north
/of Thomas Flinn's. At that time the land belonged to Reuben
Belden who owned the mills at West brook, and it was this farm
that Belden gave by will to Whately for educational purposes,
but his conditions were such that the town felt compelled not to
accept the gift.

Castwell, Thomas, built a house about 1779 or '80 on
"Grass hill," about a third of a mile south of the Jonathan
Waite place, on the east side of "Grass hill" road, near the
house of Mr. Bird. This, I think, was burned.

84

Carley, Samuel, owned a house as early as 1771. He
built, as early as 1766, where now stands the house of Rufus M.
Swift.

Carey, Richard, was a son of Dea. Joseph Carey of
Williamsburg. He built a house, probably as early as 1788, on
the road leading to Williamsburg some thirty rods west of the
house of Elihu Harvey, just on the southwest corner of the lot
where the Dry hill road crosses the Williamsburg road. The
house has been gone probably fully sixty years.

CooLEY, Ben'Jamix, was born in Deerfield in 1773. His
mother died in 1776 and Benjamin was taken by Benjamin
Scott, Sr., and brought up by him in the old house that occu-
pied the site of the present one. The old house was torn down
and Mr. Cooley built the present structure which he sold to
Israel Scott about 1830. This lot contained twenty acres, twelve
of which were in Bradstreet's grant and eight in the second divi-
sion of Commons. He was a civil engineer and manufactured
sur\-e3'ors' implements, a very ingenious man.

CooLEV, Lemuel, lived for some years where R. M. Swift
resides, when he removed to "Gillett's island" in North Hat-
field, as that neighborhood used to be called. He was succeed-
ed by Erastus Graves and he by R. M. Swift. The old house
was small and inconvenient and Mr. Graves built the present
house.

Cooley, Dennis, a brother of Lemuel, bought the house
next north of Ashley G. Dickinson, on the west side of Chestnut
Plain street, and it is in the fourth division of Commons. It
was built by Israel Wells about 18 10, perhaps a few years ear-
lier. Then Thomas Crafts owned it and sold to Mr. Cooley,
and it now belongs to David Callahan.

Cooley, Justin Morton, son of Dennis, bought the store
where Morton & White traded, and moved it from near the site
of the Town house to just below the Congregational church.
He remodeled it for a house and it is now owned by Horace
Manning. It had many owners before Mr. Manning, Dr. Phil-
emon Stacey, Giles Barney, (a blacksmith) Robert and Dexter
Frary, and perhaps others have lived there. Mr. Cooley moved
to Springfield and built and kept the famous Cooley house.

Curtis, Hosea, was here before 1770. Tradition locates
him at two places, one on what has been known as the Todd
place, west of Poplar Hill, and again at the Chapman place
where James Nolan now resides, west of Mt. Esther. I think
he lived on the Chapman place.

85

DrcKixsoN, De'i.. Joel, built a house as early as 1751,
perhaps two years before, directly east of the Stockade monu-
ment erected by James M. Crafts in 1SS4. His farm adjoined
the ''Mother George" road and was parts of lots 29, 30, 31, 32
and 33. It extended east to the "Island" road as then called,
now Claverack, all in the second division. In 1754 his prem-
ises was surrounded by a stockade. The land enclosed con-
tained about three-fourths of an acre and in times of danger
from Indians the inhabitants resorted to this place for safety,
with their stock. The writer well recollects of hearing his
great aunt, Martha (Crafts) Rosevelt, tell the story '"That she
had helped milk the cows there a fortnight in succession."
Dea. Dickinson sold and removed to Conway, and in his old
age lived at Phelps, N. V. He and his sons were tories.

Dickinson, Samuel, built a house, about 1774, where
Samuel and Horace Dickinson, his grandsons, have since built
a fine house. Since the. decease of the brothers and two sisters,
Mary and Irene, all unmarried, it has been sold to Robert Dick-
inson. Salmon Dickinson owned parts of lots 4 and 5 in the
fourth division. He built a dain' house about forty or fifty rods
west of Chestnut Plain street. This constitutes part of the land
on the east side — was parts of several lots — conimencing with
No. 1, an.i contained as many as eight lots in second division of
Commons. About three lots were set off to Oliver, his son, the
rest are in the present farm. The house is on No. 4, probably.

Dickinson, Oliver, son of Samuel, built his house in
1S09 or '10, on lot No. 2, second division of Commons, perhaps
on No. I, as that lot is twenty-eight rods, five feet, two inches
wide, while No. 2 is only three rods and tour feet wide, and No.
3 is eight rods, two feet and one inch wide. This place is now
owned by Cooley B. Dickinson, a son of Champion B.

Dickinson, Gideon, from Hatfield, bought in 1770, the
farm of Lieut. Ebenezer Bardwell who built the house, known
as the Dexter Dickin.son house, about 1766. This is almost
exactly at the north end of Chestnut Plain street. The land
was in both the second and fourth division of Commons, and by
a resurvev of the lines between the towns, this olace was thrown
into Deerfield, but came back when that portion was annexed
to Whately, 5 March, 18 10, and on lot No. 69, whichever divi-
sion claims it. These premises were owned after him by his
sons. Dexter and Giles. Dexter occupied the old homestead
now owned by his son, Jonathan W. Dickinson, who has erect-

S6

ed a new and commodious house in the second division, built in
1862. His new barn is probably on lot 70, second division.

Dickinson, Giles, built a house about 1820, on lot 69,
fourth division of Commons. After his death it was occupied
by his son, Myron, and is now owned by the heirs of Elon San-
derson.

Dickinson, Asa, son of Gideon, bought the Lemuel and
M'oah Wells property and the Samuel Bardwell place that was
sold to Nathaniel Hawks in 176S. He lived there, after pulling
down the Wells house, many years ago. Since Asa died his
son, Wflls, has owned the place.

Dickinson, D.\niel, son of Gideon, bought the place
formerly owned by Col. Josiah Allis, built a new house in 1826
and died in 1830. His sons, Dennis, Rufus and Daniel, re-
mained here a few years and sold the farm to their brother-in-
law, Elliott C. Allis, and it is now owned by his son, Irving
Allis.

Dickinson, Dennis, bought the Dr. Chester Bardwell
place, just across "Lover's lane" from the hotel, now owned
by George and Frank Dickinson, sons of Rufus.

Dickinson, Rufus, bought the Dea. Levi Morton farm
and the house built on the farm by Horace Morton, son of Dea.
Levi, about 1S44. This is on "Pleasant hill." After the death
of Arnold Morton, he bought the old Daniel Morton property,
including the house built by Capt. Charles Morton, a grandson
of Daniel Morton, who died in 1S60. Mr. Dickinson bought it
soon after and built a new house and barn in modern style. It
is now owned by his heirs, George and Frank Dickinson. The
Capt. Charles Morton house was built in 1812. They were all in
the fourth division of Commons. The south line is at the cem-
eter}' and extends to the land of Seth B. Crafts, which is lots
44 and 45 so. of course, 43 is the north lot. It quite likelj'
takes parts of lots 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 in the fourth division.
Perhaps No. 39 should not be included.

Dickinson, Daniel, Jr., bought the Graves Crafts prop-
erty, about I S60, and has done much to improve it.

Dickinson, Abn^r, came from Hatfield about 1772. He
built some twentj'-five rods south of the Lyman Dickinson place
on the west side of Chestnut Plain street, and of course in the
fourth division of Commons. He was succeeded by his son,
Alpheus. He sold (and removed to New York state and later
to Sandusky, O.,) to Eurotus Dickinson. The house was pulled

87

down after 1834, as Leander Clark lived there, as did George
Brown, probably as late as 1S40 to '45.

Dickinson, Jehu, son of Abner, built the house where his
son, Lyman, lived and died, now owned by Ashley G. Dickin-
son. This was in the fourth division of Commons, but the bulk
of the farm is in the second division, next south of Dea. Hlisha
Relden's and his lot was No. 22. It includes several lots then
owned by Jehu and Capt Henry Stiles, as far south as the cross-
road leading to Claverack.

Dickinson, Eurotus, was a blacksmith by trade but was
also an extensive farmer. About 1833 he bought the house built
by Reuben Winchell. postmaster and trader, about 1809 or '10.
Bought by Rev. Lemuel P. Bates in 1S22. It is now owned by
the heirs of Edmond Donovan with the bulk of the Abner Dick-
inson estate.

Dickinson, Dr. Benjamin, bought in 17S6 or'Sj the farm
of Abial Bragg, with the buildings erected by Dea Simeon
Waite. He sold, in 1804, to Asa Frary and he sold to Jonathan
C. Loomis. It is now owned by his son, Calvin S. This is on
lot No. 37 in the second division of Commons.

Dickinson, Charles, son of Dr. Benjamin, built the
house next east of his father's on lot No. 37, second division of
Commons, and kept a hotel for a few years. He then, in 1S03,
sold to Oliver Graves, Jr., a Revolutionary soldier and son of
Dea. Oliver Graves. He was succeeded by his sons, Sylvester
and Horace, and they by their sister, Harriet Graves, who was
a Daughter of the Revolution, of the Betty Allen chapter at
Northampton. When she died the chapter passed these resolu-
tions to her memor}' :

Whereas, The hand of Divine Providence has removed
Miss Harriet Graves, daughter of a Revolutionan,- soldier, from
the scene of her temporal labors. Therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Betty Allen chapter at Northampton
te.stify to its respect for her memory and to its sympathy with
the relatives and friends deprived of her piesence.

Resolved, That we mourn the departure of our respected
member and Real Daughter.

Resolved. That we offer to Mrs. Crafts, of the Betty
Allen chapter, our special sympathy.

Resolved. That these resolutions be placed upon the
records of the Betty Allen chapter, a copy sent to the relatives
and to the American Monthly magazine.

Signed by the committee and by the regent, 9 March, 189S.
Ella Cleveland Clark, Mary Cotton Bas.sett, Lucy Wright
Pearson and Louise Stewart Bartlett Cable, regent.

88

Dickinson, J. Pomkroy, bought the Dea. Elisha Belden
house, on Chestnut Plain street, and lived there from 1S40 until
his death in 1S62. N'ow owned by William Cahill.

DouGHiiRTY, Samuel, lived for some years at the Straits,
in the gambrel-roofed house, after Martin Graves sold in 1788.
Perhaps he succeeded "Wicked Lige," as they used to call
Elijah Smith who was a great trader of horses. Dougherty
removed to Belchertown about iSoo.

DoNO\"AN'. EroiOND. bought the Dea. Nathan Graves farm
on Chestnut mountain, in 184-. Then bought the Hiram Smith
place, now owned by tbe heirs of E. Smith Munson. This he
sold and bought tlie Eurotus Dickinson farm and the Winchell-
Bate.s house on lot 26, fourth division of Commons. The farm
is now owned by his sons, John and Peter.

Dickinson, Asa, Jr., bought the Lyman Harding farm
about 1850. and still resi les there. This place was in Deerfield
until 1810, and was formerly owned by Samuel Harding, grand-
father of Lyman, and he came in 1776.

Dickinson, No.\h, bought the Walter Barnard farm about
rS66. This was in Deerfield until 18:0 when it was annexed to
Whately. Joseph Barnard and his son. Ebenezer, bought, in
17S7, the farm of Capt. Oliver Shattuck and William Barnard.
His twin sons, Walter and William, followed him and now
Hiram R. and his sisters possess this fine farm.

Edson, Lieut. Jonathan, built a house on lot 51, second
division of Commons, as early as 1770, about thirty or forty rods
north of Cornelia M. White's house, on the east side of Chest-
nut Plain street. This was gone years before I could remember.
In 1 775 his daughter, Mehitabel. married Martin Graves, and she
told ma about his co.nii\^ to S22 her, ho.v he amt and how he
was dressed, and I give it here to sho v the contrast with modern
times. Then they lived on "Great Plain" up the hill beyond
Aaron Dickinson's place towards W^iUiamsburg. She said he
had a good horse, with a breast-plate harness with ropes for
traces and lines. A jumper, made of two shaved and bent
birch poles, ivith oak poles for shafts or thi.ls, a board across
the jumper with a half-bushel measure bottom up and on this a
meal bag for upholstery. Instead of holdback irons a knot in
each thill served the purpose. There was no breeching to the
harness. Graves wore a good, nice woolen coat and waistcoat
that his mother made for him, leather breeches and nice, thick
shoes with good buckles, and a cap made from a coon skin witli

89

the tail hanging down his back. Really, he was a noble look-
ing man she said. They were well-to-do people at that time,
stern old Congregationalists, but it shows the change wrought
in 125 years. Mr. Graves was nearly 31 years old and his lady-
love seven years younger. This she told me while enjoying her
after-dinner pipe. I remember well that the muscular old gen-
tleman at 75 was as trim and stalwart as a modern athlete. On
her table were the books she read — the Bible, Watt's Psalms
and Hymns, Guide to Christ, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and
the Catechism, These she read regularly every day until a few
days before she passed ;iway at the ripe old age of 86 years.

Edson, Jonathan, buiit a house on "Drv' hill" about
1785. Afterwards Chester Bardwell bought it in 1797. He
sold and removed to Brookfield, Vt., then Dea. John M. Bard-
well lived there. I think the house is gone now.

Edson. Capt. Amasa, built the house, in 1785, where
Orange Bardwell livt-d and died. The latter bought the place
in 1797 and after the death of Orange I do not know who lived
there. This house, too, has gone.

Elder, James Austin, owns the house built by J. C.
Loomis about 1S55. .\m not sure as to the date. He lived
some years on the J. Pomeroy Dickinson place, about [866.

Fay, Capt. William, bought, in 1S09, the Israel Scott
place in the Straits, on the west side of the road, and in the
Bradstrtet grant and a portion of it in the second division of
Commons. After his removal it was bought by Phineas Frary
and then by his son, George W. The house was probably
built by Benjamin Scott, Jr., about 1790.

FiiiLD, Zenas, son of Eliakim. probably built the house
where John Field and. his son, Paul W., have since lived, on
lots 12 and 13, fourth division of Commons. Tiie first purchase
was made May 8, 1764. The house was probably buiit before
his marriage in 1777 or '78. He also built what is generally
known as Osee Munson pi ice, in 18(5 or '16. After his decease
the original farm was owned by his son, John, and now by Paul
Warner Field.

Field, Noah, son of Moses of Northfield. bought parts of
lots 37, T,S and 39, in the fourth division of Commons and west
of Poplar Hill road. 1773, and sold it Feb. 17, 1780, to Asa San-
derson. The house was built by Mr. Field, on lot 37, soon after
the purchase. The farm is now in possession of Asa T. San-
derson, grandson of Dr. Asa.

90

F30TE, Alden- a., bau^lit ths Oliver Morton homestead
after the decease of Mr. Morton in 1344. He bought in 1849
and died in 1S5S, when Horace B. Fox bought the place.

Ferguson, Rev. John, bought the Asa Smith place.
This house was built about 1S25 by Asa Smith. There were
several owners before Mr. Ferguson bought in 1S37, or therea-
bouts. George \V. Reed bought it. and now Henrv A. Brown
owns it.

Fox, Selah W.. bought the J. C. Loomis house on
"Lover's lane," west of the hotel, about the time of his sec-
ond marriage, 8 Nov., 1877. Now owned by J. A. Elder.

Fox, Horace B , bought the Oliver Morton place, after
Mr. Foote died, and remodeled it, changing its whole appear-
ance and it is now as nice a place as there is in town. The
present owner is W. Irving Fox who so nobly cared for his
parents in their declining years.

Frary, Ele.\zer, Jr., son of Eleazer, built the house on
the corner of Christian bne and Claverack road to South Deer-
field, on lot 37, second division of Commons, in 1779, where,
since his removal to Conway, have lived Dea. Russell Allis,
Zebina Bartlett. Simeon Graves, Luther Wells, Amasa Lamson,
Franklin Graves, who pulled down the old and built the pres-
ent house, then Alonzo Crafts. It is now owned by Fred L.
Graves.

Frary, Lieut. Elisha, was a son of Isaac of Hatfield.
In January, 1770, he built a house on a lot of sixty-five acres
that he had bought, 2 D^c, 1759, of Silas Smith. It is proba-
ble that he had lived with his brother, Moses, on the McClellan
farm before he moved to his new home.

Frary, Moses, was a brother of Lieut. Elisha. In a plan
made of Chestnut Plain street, in 1770, the house of Moses
Frary is located on the west side of the street. He sold to Noah
Coleman and removed to Ashfield. It has since been owned by
Capt. Seth Frary, John B. Morton andE. B. McClellan. Capt.
Seth lived with Noah Coleman and inherited his large estate
since owned by John Bardwell Morton, his son, Eurotus, Elias
B. McClellan and now by his sou, George B. McClellan. Mr.
Frary bought, on the east side of the road, thirty-seven acres in
the Mill Swamp division and twenty-four acres west of the road,
in 1790.

Frary, Thomas, a son of Capt. Seth, built the Gad Crafts
house on Claverack, in 1887. He removed to Hatfield and Mr.
Crafts bought it in 1828. It is now owned by Thomas Crafts,

N

Frary, Isaac, son of Lieut. Elisha, bought the Eleazer
Frary place at West brook, where ^he died 4 Feb., 1850. He
also bought the saw and grist mill near Foster Y. Warner's.
The house was in the Mill Swamp division, afterwards owned
by Isaac Frary, Jr., then by his son, Solomon Munson Frary,
and then by his sons, Eugene M., Ernest A. and Edward Frary.
Owned by Lincoln B. Sanderson since 1S86.

Frary, Maj. Phineas, son of Phineas of Hatfield, bought
forty-six acres 20 Feb., 1780, the southerly side of the house
where John Smith lived, in the fourth division of Commons.
When Capt. Salmon Graves remo\'ed from the center his son,
Lyman, took the place and now his son, Chauncey A., resides
there.

Frary, Phineas., Jr., son of Maj. Phineas, lived on the
John Smith place and it has since been occupied by Hiram
Smith, E. Donovan, and it is now owned by E. S. Munson's
heirs, Lyman A. and Herbert S. Munson.

Frary, Silas, son of Maj. Phineas, lived at the foot of
Chestnut mountain, on the west side of the road. I do not
know who built the house, probably David Ingram. It was an
old house 75 years ago, as long as I recollect it. His son, Silas
B., lived here until he died in 1S51, then Cotton Bardwell. It
was torn down 15 or 20 years ago, about 18S5.

Frary, Hokace, lived on the Spruce Hill road some fif-
teen rods or so north from the E. S. Munson place. This was
built by him about the time of his marriage 1818. I should
think it was a small building moved there, as I well recall
its old appearance as early as 1825 or '26.

Frary, Robert, son of Dexter, removed the upright part
of the Samuel Grimes house to the lot on "Lovers lane" when
Leonard Loomis built the new part to his house between the
Martin Woods and Eli Crafts places, and fixed it over into a
dwelling. Now owned by Elisha and Elijah Bardwell.

Fuller, William Hkxry, bought and remodeled the
house in Canterbury now owned by John N. White. It was
built by Levi Alexander, about 1831, on lot 68 or 69, second
division of Comnions.

Flavin, Michael, bought of Mr. Twoigg about 1870.
This was formerly the site of the house of Dickinson Belden
which was removed from Chestnut Plain street, having been the
house of Capt. Henry Stiles, near the walnut tree in Ashley G.
Dickinson's east lot about fifteen rods north of the crossroad

92

leading to Claverack. This was rebuilt by John Callahan, and
there have resided here Willard I\I. Belden and Timothy Two-
igg, before Mr. Flavin.

Flynn, Thomas, bought of Charles R. Crafts, in 1889, the
Chester Bardwell place, built in 1840 and remodeled by Mr.
Crafts.

Fleming, Thomas, lives on the place built by Jeremiah
Waite in 1809, since owned by David Belden, Martin Crafts,
who remodeled it, and W. M. Belden. Mr. Fleming has added
to the barn and built a large tobacco barn, corn house, etc. He
is an excellent farmer.

Graves, Uea. Nathan, bought lots No. 4 and 5, in the
fourth division of Commons, 20 March, 1761, and on one of
these lots built the house and farm buildings. This is on
Chestnut mountain. He soon bought part of lots 3 and 6, same
division, and in 1762 twentj'-nine acres in No. 7, and in 1780
fifteen acres in lot No. 2, making his whole lot sixty-eight rods,
ten feet wide. After his decease, in 1786, the place was owned
by his son, Reuben, then by his son, Reuben, Jr., and then by
his son, Dwight. who sold the farm to J. A. Elder, and it was
sold by him to Edmond Donovan. The original house was
burned about 1835 and rebuilt by Reuben, Jr. The buildings
have gone down.

Graves, Dea. Oliver, from Hatfield, built the house
now known as the Jerre Graves house, probably as early a.s
1766, possibly earlier, and it is now owned by Seth B. Crafts.
This is on lot 38 or 39, probably 38, second division of Com-
mons, extending east one-half mile. After his death his son,
Elijah, and his son, Jerre, lived there.

Graves, Oliver, Jr., bought in 1803, the house on lot
37, second di\ision of Commons, in Christian lane built by
Charles Dickinson, son of Dr. Benjamin. It had been kept as
a hotel. After Oliver's decease it was owned by Sylvester and
Horace Graves, and after their death by their sister, Harriet
Graves. She died 10 March, 1898, in her 92d year.

Graves, Selah, son of Dea. Oliver, built about 1785, on
Spruce hill. He bought lots, or parts of lots, 22, 23, 24, 25 and
26, in the fourth division of Commons, beginning one-half mile
west of Chestnut Plain street and extending west 240 rods — 114
acres and no rods of land — for which he paid ;i^2i7, i8s. After
his death, William and Justus owned the place and after them
the farm was cut up. Patrick Dalton now owns the buildings
and part of the home lot.

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93

Graves, Capt. Salmon, bought of Lemuel Clark. 14
March, 1791, the place where David P. Wells now lives, for 185
pounds sterling. He materially altered the appearance of the
house, which was two stories in front. He raised the rear part
to the same height, putting the ridgepole in the cetiter, and
made other improvements. It is supposed that Dr. Perez Cha-
pin built the house and tore down the Joel Dickinson house,
very likely built of logs and changad its location. Mr. Graves
moved to the place where Chauncey A. Graves now lives in
1827. He was a Free Mason, and, as it was when the Morgan
excitement was high and their place of meeting at Stockbridge
hotel was discovered, Capt. Graves finished off rooms in the sec-
ond story to accommodate the meetings, and I have often seen
the insignia which was painted on the walls. Here the breth-
ren from Northampton, Greenfield and other towns gathered to
exchange greetings.

Graves, Israel, a brother of Dea. Oliver, bought, or
rather exchanged property with Gains Crafts, taking the house
and land owned by Gains in Whately. The house was fifteen
or twenty rods west of the road, in the fourth division of Com-
mons, a little north of west from Benoni Crafts' house. It was
built in 1765. After Israel's dea1;h his son, Joel, and then
Erastus Crafts liyed there until Erastus bought the Martin
Graves place, in Christian lane, in 1S35. The old house was
torn down soon after Erastus moved out, about 1837.

Graves, Israel, Jr., built on lot No. 40, second division
of Commons, north of Alonzo Crafts' corner, about 1804. After
his second marriage he lived and died in a house built by Dan-
iel Morton, Jr., where Edward Holley now owns, east of Ashley
G. Dickinson's.

Graves, David, son of Samuel, built a house in the Straits
on the place afterwards known as the Stockbridge tavern. Mr.
Graves built sometime between 1730 and '32. It is safe to call
it 1732. He was one of the earliest settlers. This is in the
Bradstreet grant, and he erected at that time a portion of the
present house, bringing such materials as he could use from the
house on the Dennison farm which he pulled down. The house
was a framed house and not of logs. He had a large family —
five sons — and it is quite probable that he built the front house
later, but Mr. Stockbridge put on the hall and raised up the
middle portion a story, and the roof of the main part to corre-
spond with the ell part after it was raised. The hall in the

94

west end was for dancing purposes, and here the Masons of that
vicinity used to meet in the first years of the Morgan episode.
The house is still standing and we hope to have a cut of it for
this volume.

Graves, David, Jr., built on lot No. 36, second division
of Commons, on the south side of Christian lane, about fifteen
or twenty rods east of the Claverack road, about 176S, having
bought this part of lot 36 of Nathaniel Coleman of Amherst,
formerly of Hatfield. The two front rooms were built in 1769
and the rear portion long before, probably at Bashan, or on
Dennison's farm, and then moved here. This was probably the
second house built in the lane. After his death his son, Levi,
then his son, Rufus, lived there and now Lemuel F., is the
owner. ^

Graves, Martin, first settled in the Straits on a portion
of th.t Bradstreet grant, where stands the house now owned by
Edmund Quinn's heirs. This he sold to Elijah Smith in 1788.
He then bought of Abial Bragg and built a house on the south
side of Christian lane on lot No. 36, second division of Com-
mons, extending from Chestnut Plain street to Claverack road.
His purchase included several other lots, with the exception of
the house lot sold by Bragg to Solomon Atkins, where Hubbard
S. Allis lives, and the parsonage. He bought the land 14 April,
1758, and built his house that year. The front part was built
when Capt. Lucius was married, or just before, probably in
1808, and in 1835 Erastus Crafts bought the house and other
buildings and two and one-half acres of land. The. balance was
owned by J. C. Loomis, excepting ten acres owned by Leonard
Loomis, and now by Hon T.' P. Brown.

Graves, Simeon and Matthew, brothers of David and
Martin, and sons of David, removed to the southeast part of
Conway. Simeon died there 6 April, 1 812, at 92 years of age,
while Matthew removed to Norwich, N. Y., where he died at a
great age.

Gr.wes, John, son of Nathan, built on Grass hill about
as earl}" as 1775. He probably sold to John Monson and re-
moved, about 1S18, to Ohio with his son, John, Jr., where he
died. Later John, Jr, removed to Michigan where he died
in 1856.

Graves, Asa and Daniel, removed to Vermont, near
Rutland, while Elihu removed to the northeast part of Williams-

95

burg, where Caleb Graves, and later Hiram Graves, lived.
Only John and Reubeo remained in Whately.

Graves, Moses, bought the John Waite house on the
north side of Christian lane, on lot No. 37, second division of
Commons, iS Dec, 1794. It was owned, after the decease of
Moses in 1827, by his son, Lucius, and now by his son, Fred
L. Graves.

Gr.wes, Pliny, bought the house built by Robert Aber-
crorabie in 1779, afterwards owned by Jacob Allen Faxon, Wil-
liam Cone, Zebina Bartlett then by Mr. Graves, and after his
death by Edward A. Atkins, and now by W. H. Atkins. Mr.
Graves bought of Mr. Bartlett five acres, in 1S12, for S350.

Graves, Erastus, in 1S27, bought the R. M. Swift farm
and tore down the old house, probably built by Samuel Carley,
as early as 1766. This was a frame house but very small. Mr.
Graves built the present house a fine cottage, which has been
much improved by Mr. Swift by the addition of the ell part and
sheds, carriage house, addition to the barn and extensive
tobacco barns, etc.

Graves, Randall, owned the house built by Abel Scott
and sons, before the marriage of ,-\bel Scott, Jr., in 1823. Mr.
Graves bought it in 1^33 or thereabouts, and lived there until
he died, in 1874. L. F. Crafts lived there a few years and was
followed by Fred J. Root from Westfield, and it is now owned
by his widow, Mary (Graves) Root.

Graves, Spencer, moved to Brookfield, Vt., and died
there at nearly 99 years of age, while Levi settled at North Hat-
field and died there, aged about 88 years.

Graves, Simeon, a wheelwright, lived on the Alonzo
Crafts corner several years, then he and his brother, David, a
blacksmith, moved to Brookfield, Vt., where they both died.

Graves, Phineas, son of David, Jr., built the house where
Dr. Myron Harwood lived and died, on the west side of Chest-
nut Plain street. He bought the lot, which contained one
acre and 117 rods, of David Morton of Hatfield, in 1797. West
of the present barn, he built a small tanner}'. Since his removal
from town Joseph Mather, the hatter, William Loomis, the car-
penter, Levi Bush, the merchant and Dr. Harwood have lived
there, and now Chester R. Chaffee is the occupant. Mr. Graves
removed to Norwich, N. Y.

Graves, Franklin, bought the five acre lot and the house
built byEleazer Frary. He tore down the old house and built

the present commodious house, about 1843, now owned by Fred
L. Graves, the blacksmitli.

Graves, Justus, son of John, born 1784. He was a good
hunter and a fine marksman with his rifle. He was a soldier in
the "Whately Rifle Greens," and was with that company at
Boston in the war of 1S12-14.. His captain — Amos Pratt — knew
of his wonderful skill with his rifle, and one day he and the
captain of another rifle company were talking of the proficiency
of some of their men, when the other captain challenged Capt.
Pratt for a trial of skill, at arms end. Capt. Pratt accepted the
challenge, and at the appointed time came with Justus Graves
as his man and a great crowd of lookers-on. Capt. Pratt picked
up a shingle and took his position at the designated distance
and held it in his hand, while Graves fired and the ball pierced
the shingle.

Capt. Pratt then off'ered the shingle to his friend, but he de-
clined the honor of the trial. A short time after the close of the
war, true to the family instincts or predilection of his family, he
started for the western world and spent his life hunting and
trapping and was killed by the Indians near the Rocky moun-
tains. We could give other incidents, but space forbids. I
will only say that one of his cousins, Erastus Graves, son of
Amasa, went with dog and gun into the great West trapping and
hunting and died alone in his hunting camp where his remains
were found, and thus ends our story of the Graves families.

Harding, Samuel, settled where Asa Dickinson now
lives. He came from Woodstock, Conn., about 1775 or '76.
It is probable that he built the first house on that lot, then in
Deerfield, annexed to Whately 1810. He was one of the select-
men in T781, a man of some prominence in Deerfield, and died
in 1805, aged 79 years. After him Justin Morton lived there
some \ears. He married, E.'-ther, a daughter of Samuel Hard-
ing. After him came Lyman Harding, his grandson, then
Daniel Dickinson, and now Asa Dickinson lives there.

Hart, Murray, a tinner, lived on the Joseph Belden place
at Bardstt's corner, and plied his trade. He bought the place^
m iSoS, for SSoo. He died in [S12 and his widow married John
Gra\-es, Jr., and removed to Ohio. Mr. Hart was from South-
ington, Conn.

H.\RVEY, Elihu, built the house about 1815, where he
lived and died. He was a carpenter and familiarly known as
"Lawyer Harvey." He was in the war cf 181 2- 14, in the place

97

of his "Boss," J. C. Loomis, for whom he was at work upon a
house in Greenfield and Mr. Loomis could not conveniently
leave. The place is on the road from Whately to Williams-
burg. It has been occupied since by his son, Stephen R.,
Nelson H. Damon, and now by Hiram Graves.

Harwood, Dr. Fr.-^ncis, built a house some twenty rods
south of the present house, in 1794. This was moved about
18 1 8 to the present site and the front house added. The lots
composing the farm are Nos. 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58. The house
is on lot 58, fourth division of Commons. It has since been
occupied b}' his sons, Col. R. B and Justus F. Harwood, then
by Samuel B. White, 2d, Samuel W. Steadman, Charles R.
Crafts and now by Warren P. Crafts.

Harwood, Dr. Myron, bought the house built by Phin-
eas Graves, on the west side of Chestnut Plain street, in the
fourth division of Commons. He remodeled it, changing the
roof so that it stands gable end to the street, adding some rooms
in an ell part and other ways much improving its general
appearance. Now owned by C. R. Chaffee and wife, the latter
a daughter of Dr. Harwood.

Hawley, John, settled in Whately about 1772 or "73, but
where I do not know.

Hawley, Fred A., bought the Jabez Pease farm in the
Straits in i860. The farm is a part of the Gov. Bradstreet grant.
He came from Amherst, I think, or the east part of Hadley.
Pease bought of Andrew Scott in 1842. The old house was
pulled down and the present one built in 1823. The old house
was built on this site by Joseph Scott, who was born in Hatfield
1754, and built about 1787.

Hayes, Dennis, bought the Dexter Clark place, formerly
built by Benjamin Scott, Jr., about 1785. The house was prac-
tically rebuilt by Mr. Hayes in 1879. We are unable to trace
the other occupants of this place after the death of Benjamin
Scott, Jr., in 1821. •

Haffey, Jerre, bought the old Nathaniel Coleman place.
The present house was built on the site of the house probably
erected by Samutl Wells, about 17 10. This was the first house
built in our town limits, so far as I know. The old house was
pulled down and the present one built, about 18 17, by R. T.
Morton. It has had several occupants, among them Carlos
Swift, George Dane and probably others that I cannot recall.
It is in the Gov. Bradstreet grant.

98

Haffey, Nicholas, lives on the Joshua "Belden, Jr., farm.
This has been occupied since his death by Bryant Nutting,
Benjamin Dane and perhaps others.

HiGGiNS, Henry, S., bought, in 1S79, the Levi Morton
farm, including the house built by Joseph Lyman Longley.
This place was formerly owned by Tliomas Wells, son of Rev.
Rufus Wells, who bought it of the Marr^hes. Asa Marsh bought
the land of Simeon and Gad Waite, in 178 1. and built the house
on lot 37, second division of Commons. The old house was
bought in 1886 or '87 by Clarence E. Crafts, but was given up
to Mr. Higgins. Now owned by H. S. Higgins, Jr.

Hill, Joseph, built a house on the farm purchased of
Abram Turner. This farm was parts of lots 40, 41 and 42, fourth
division of Commons. One John Morey had built a log house
on this farm, about 1778, and it was burned one Fast da}^ He
and his family went to visit a friend, and while absent the
house burned. It was considered that this was a judgment
upon them fcr thus desecrating the daj', by such disregard of a
holy day for such purposes. The lots bought by Mr. Hiil began
one-half mile west of Poplar Hill road and lay on both sides of
Dry Hill road. Mr. Hill bought in 1783. The farm has since
been occupied (Mr. Hill removed to Williamsburg) by Col.
Nathan Ames, Moses Morton, Aaron S. Stearns and his son,
Luther G. Stearns. The house is torn down.

.Hill, Kuggles, son of Joseph, lived somewhere in West
Whately, but where I do not know.

Hill, Moses, built the house on the Grass Hill road
where Samuel Sanderson used to live, some forty rods south of
Edward Sanderson's present residence, about 1810 or '11, torn
down now.

Howes, Micajah, a merchant, bought the Eli Crafts
place on "Lover's lane," about 1875. (I cannot give the pre-
cise date.) Joseph Mather had a small house on this site which

was pulled dow'n and the present cottage house erected by Eli
Crafts.

Hunt, & Beckwith. Josiah Hunt and Messer Beckwith
were clothiers for many years, from 1795 to 18 13. They
built the house on the west side of Chestnut Plain street, now
owned by Mrs. E. F. Orcutt, and it has been added to by sub-
sequent owners. Justin Morton, Hannah Tower, Samuel Lesure
and J. A. Crump have lived there.

Hallorran, John, bought the Allen Belden place of

99

James M. Crafts, assi.^nee of C. H. Manchester. This house
was built by Allen Belden and his son. .Edwin M., in place of
the old one built by Dea. Elisha Belden in 1783.

Handerhan, Michael, bought a place in the Straits
where Samuel R. Lamb used to live, but who built the house I
do not know.

HoLLEY, Edward, bought the place formerly known as
the Uncle Israel Graves place, built by Daniel Morton, Jr.,
in 17S5.

Hayden, Loren, came to Whately in the spring of 1851
and bought the hotel. In 1S53 he bought the Morton farm
(now C. K. Waite's) and thoroughly remodeled the buildings.
In 1856 he bought the Bloody Brook hotel and removed there.
Wherever he went improvements commenced.

Ingram, David, came in 1774. The place of his resi-
dence is not certainly known, but it is supposed to be the house
known as the Esq. Silas Frary place, at the foot of Chestnut
mountain, now torn down. It was an old house 75 years ago.

Jenney, Reuben, son of Job, from New Bedford, came
with his son, Reuben, Jr., and bought the land of Noah Bard-
well. Asa Sanderson and Dea. James Smith 9 March, 18:5, and
built the house where Reuben, Jr., lived. In 1823, Reuben,
Jr., bought of James Cutter a house and lot east and north of
the store, on the south side of the brook. The house was built
just west of the sawmill yard recently owned by Luther
Sanderson.

Jenney, Reuben, Sr., bought and built a house as early
as 1819 in Hopewell. Since he died, in 1836, Daniel Loveridge
and Erastus Potter have owned the farm and lived there. It
now belongs to S. W. Allis, Esq.

Jenney, Elisha A., bought the house built by Ashley
Smith, about 1827. Since Ashley Smith removed West it has
been owned by Hiram Smith, Thomas Nash and perhaps others.
It is on the road to Williamsburg, the south side of the road
about forty rods from Poplar Hill road. He bought a fair-sized
mill, where various kinds of goods have been made, and the
water power connected with it. Hiram Smith made iron and
steel goods, Mr. Nash, satinets, and Jenney was a wood turner.

Jefferson, Amos, and his son, Amos, Jr.. lived on the
Deerfield road, west of Elijah D. Sanderson's. He lived here
as early as 1785. For a cellar for his vegetables he had a hole
excavated in the bank of Hopewell, directly west of William

lOO

H. Fuller's house. Hopewell hill rises somewhere about fifty
feet and is quite steep. This kind of cellar was in use within
m}^ recollection and was seldom opened until spring. Apples
kept as fresh as they were in the fall apparently. Amos. Jr.,
moved his house onto the River road, near the large drain south
of E. D. Sanderso.i's. Ha was a tanner and shoemiker, working
for Dea. Thomas Sanderson and his son, Maj. Sanderson.

Jones, Eli, bought the farm p nd house on the new road to
Ha}'denviile. under Shingle hill, of Chester K. Waite, built
about the time of Mr. Waite's marriage, in 1S53 or '54. Now
owned by Almeron J. Codding.

JuDD, Jonathan S., Congregational minister, built the
house on the east side of Chestnut Plain street, about 1843 or
'44. Since his removal from Whately, Rev. Charles Lord has
lived there a few years, also John \Vells and owned by Matthew
Farrell since 1896.

JUDD, Ele.^zer, brother of J. S., bought the farm of E.
Wilson Sanderson. The buildings were built by Lieut. Eli
Sanderson, in 1816, and since enlarged by his sons, A. W. and
E. W. Sanderson. Mr. Judd sold to Silas Crafts, and the place
is now owned by Charles A. Sanderson. The house was burned
in December, i386. and has not been rebuilt.

Jewett, Moses William, built the house next south of
Edmond Donovan's, on the west side of Chestnut Plain street,
on the site of a house built by Chester Wells in 1889. He died
in 1890 without children, leaving his property to his wife. On
his lot there was a pottery, but it was moved off.

Kellogg, Joseph, came in 1770 and remained some years.
I do not know where he lived, but think at the Straits. He
was taxed in 1771. He may have owned a house, but I fail to
find the evidence of it.

Kellogg, William, was taxed in 1771, only a poll tax.

Kellogg, Joel, came from Hadley, and he and his wife
died in town. I do not think that he owned any real estate in
Whately, but lived either on rent or with his daughter.

Knights, Calvin, from Chesterfield, bought a house and
lot that was on the west side of West brook, near the mill of H.
L. James, that was burned. He bought the place in 1865, or
thereabouts, and two of his children were born there. Since he
died the place has been bought by Charles H. Field, son of
Paul W.

Knights, Henry S., bought one of the boarding houses

idi ^

of the James woolen mill about 1S85. His brother, Charles N.
Knight, also bought one of these houses.

Kennedy, Michael, bought the Benjamin Cooley place
in the Straits. A blacksmith remained there some years, but
removed from town.

Lamson, John, a blacksmith, built the gambrel-roofed
house, about 1772 or '73, near where Samuel Lesure's house
stands, on the east side of Chestnut Plain street on lot 32, or pos-
sibly T,2,, second division of Commons. Mr. Lanison opened a
hotel and sold in 1774 to John Crafts who continued the hotel
for many years. Calvin Wells lived there with his father-in-law
until 1827. Many families lived there after Wells removed to
the Capt. Salmon Graves place. Some of the occupants were
no better than they ought to be and the old house had become
dilapidated, and it was wiped out by fire and no eflfort was made
to save it.

Lamson, Amasa, a shoemaker, bought the house on the
Alonzo Crafts corner, in Christian lane, in 1824 or '25. He
sold and removed to Michigan.

Lane, Rev. John W., bought the house next north of
Rev. Rufus Wells' place. It was built in 1834 or '35 and occu-
pied as a store, and then William W. Sanderson kept a store
there some years. Mr. Lane remodeled it for a house and, after
his death, James Madison Smith bought it. It was purchased
by Dea. Lucius Meekins about 1888.

Lesure, Samuel, from Warwick, came in 1828. He
built the house and his store, about 1850, on the east side of
Chestnut Plain street, near the site of the John Crafts house.

LocKK, John, who came about 1773, was a worker in stone
and made headstones. He also did brick work, plastering, etc.
He lived for .some years in the house built by Daniel Morton
and well known as the "Aunt Phebe" house, uow owned by
Ned Holly.

LooMis, Jonathan Colton, a carpenter and farmer,
bought the Dea. Simeon Waite house in Christian lane. This
house was the first one built in Christian lane. Before 1764 he
settled in Whately, probably as early as 1762, as he left Athol
about 1760. The place now belongs to Calvin S. Loomis. J.
C. Loomis was an active business man.

Loomis, Leonard, brother of J. C, lived with and cared
for Mrs. Grimes, widow of Samuel Grimes who kept a store on
the place now owned by Hon. T. P. Brown, of Toledo, O., for
a summer residence.

I02

LoxGLEY, Joseph L., built the house, where Henry S.
Higgins now lives, in 1S55 or thereabouts. ^

Lord, Rev. Charles, bought the house of- Rev. J. S.
Judd and lived there a few years. He came in 1856 and left
in 1S60.

Maxxixg, Horace, bought the house next south of the
Con2:reo:ational church and still resides there. This was
remodeled and moved there by Justin M. Cooley.

Marsh, Abijah, owned and probably built a house on the
corner of the Deerfield road and the road leading to the station,
opposite of Bartlett's corner, about 17S0. That was torn down,
and Luther S. Wilcox built on the old site in 1858.

Marsh, Asa, and his son, Amos, built, or rather lived, in
a house on the Deerfield road a mile or so above Bartlett's
corner. Probably the house was built by Lieut. Ebenezer Bard-
well in 1752.

Marsh, Asa, Jr., lived on the Levi Morton farm, now
owned by Henry S. Higgins, Jr. He came from Douglas and
built the house in 17S2.

]\L\RSH, Elijah, bought the place recently owned by Sam-
uel C. Wood, in the Straits, about 1840, and his son. Joseph
Marsh, now a bookseller al Northampton, remained there a few
5■ear^ and then sold. The place is in the Bradstreet grant.

Mastersox, James, bought the B. G. Aldtn place. The
house was built about 1S32.

Mather. Benjamin, a sea captain, came in 1787 when
about 60 years of age. Ht- built a small log house on the south
side of the crossroad on land now owned by Thomas Fleming.
He lived there summers and the rest of the time with his son,
Wil iam Mather. Capt. Mather died in 1821,

Mather, Samuel, commenced to build a house on the
south side of his brother, William's, land, but for some reason
sold it after the roof and sides were boarded. He sold it to
Oliver Morton, Jr., in 1816, who moved it to where W. I. Fox
now lives. Mather removed to Ashfield.

^L\THER, Joseph, lived for sometime in the Phineas
Graves house, then in the Martin Woods house and, later, in a
house that stood where Eli Crafts built.

Mather, William, bought the Dea. Elisha Belding farm,
on Chestnut Plain strt-et, but removed to Gorham, Ontario Co.,
N. Y. He was town clerk several years.

Morton, Oliver Sr., came from Hatfield and built his

I03

house just south of the center cemetery, where C. K. Waite
lived, as early as 1760 or '6r, on the west side of Chestnut Plain
street, on lot 38 or 39, fourth division of Commons. This? after
his decease in 1789, was occupied by his son. Samuel G. Mor-
ton and, later, by his grandson, Samuel G. Waite. Loren Hay-
den, Jerre Graves and C. K. Waite, and now by his son, Charles
H. Waite.

Morton", Oliver, Jr., bought the frame of the house of
Samuel Mather, which was the front part of his house, in kSi6.
The ell part was his first house, built about 1800, on the south
part of his father's farm. This is now owned by W. I. Fox.
It has been greatly improved by Horace B. Fox and his son,
the present owner.

Morton, D.\ntel, from Hatfield, built as early as 1759 on
lot No. 42, tourth division of Commons, north of Gutter brook.
He bought part of lots, possibly 39, but certainly 40, 41, 42 and
43, from the center cemeter\' to Thomas Crafts' south line.
These extended west one-half mile. His house was a two-story
structure and, for many years, this was kept as a wayside
tavern as it was on the route for the stream of tra\'el passing
into the towns north and west. He died 20 Jan., r7S6, and
was succeeded by his son, Consider, and he by his son, Arnold,
and then by Rufus Dickinson and his heirs.

Morton, Daniel. Jr., built the house that Edward
Holley now owns, in 1790. He sold this and built in Claverack
about 1800, on the east side of Claverack road, on lot 11 or 12.
Since his death it has been owned by Col. Caleb Crafts, Thomas
Crafts and James M. Crafts. The old house was pulled down
in 1866 and a new one built. This last was burned 21 April,
1873, The land is now owned by John M. Crafts.

Morton, Simeon, came from Hatfield and built a house
between 1771 and '74, at West Whately, on the Dry Hill road,
since owned by Reuben, his son, and Daniel F. and Leander L.
Morton, sons of Reuben. It is now owned by George W.
Moor. The house was long ago pulled down.

Morton, Dexter, son of Simeon, built on the Dry Hill
road, about a quarter of a mile north of his father's, on the
east side of the road, in 1803. A few years after hisdeath( 1859)
the land was sold ofif in sections to suit the purchasers, as well
as the buildings, all in complete condition. Thus a very good
farm was placed in the list of abandoned farms.

Morton, Richard Tower, built the Jerre Haffey house

I04

in 1S20. He pulled down the old house, built probably about
1 710 by Samuel Wells and afterwards owned by the Colemans.
He owned the David Stockbridge new hotel property at his
death and since owned by his son, Frank B. Morton.

Morton, John Lyman, built the house next north of his
father's in 1842. After covering the outside and laying the
floors it was used for several months by the Second Congrega-
tional Church society for their stated meetings, and sold later to
William F. Bardwell, and in 1886 to Dr. Tames D. Seymour.
It is on the west side of the street, a fine, pleasant cottage.

Morton, Dea. Levi, came from Hatfield and built on
Pleasant Hill in 1783. I do not have the number of his lots,
but the old house, long ago taken down, stood very near the
present residence of George Dickinson. The house of Mr.
Dickinson was built for his son, Horace, and moved to its pres-
ent commanding position, and it is a very sightly place.

Morton, David, son of Dea. Levi, lived on the Daniel
Allis place, but removed to Leicester many years ago.

Morton, Levi, Jr., bought the place now owned by H.
S. Higgins. Two other sons of Levi, Sr., Chester and Justus,
removed to Hatfield and died there.

Morton, John Bardwell, came from Hatfield and
bought the Capt. Seth Frary place at West brook about 1825.
After his death his son, Eurotus, owned the place, but sold to
Elias B. McClelan and bought the James Scott farm at North
Hatfield.

McClelan, Elias B., came to Whately and bought of
Eurotus Morton the farm formerly owned by Moses Frary,
Noah Coleman, Capt. Seth Frary and John B. Morton. He
died in 1882 and was succeeded by his son, George B., who has
added much to the beauty of the place by remodeling the house
and outbuildings.

Mosher, Jacob, came in 1806, from HoUis, N. H., and
settled in the Straits. He was a cooper by trade and built a
house, about 1845, where Morris Powers now lives. Michael
Conery preceded Mr. Powers. Mr. Mosher pulled down an old
house that was built by Abraham Scott, I think, who moved it
here froni Great Plain.

MuNSON, Moses, came from Farmington, Conn., in 1784.
He lived at West Whately. perhaps with his son, Joel, on the
Haster road.

MuNSON, Moses, Jr., built a gristmill and house on what

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105

is now known as the Daa. Jim Smith place, north of the West
brook, on land now owned by Asa T. Sanderson, in 1784. He
sold to Dea. Smith in 1S06. Mr. Munson was also a builder of
bridges and a general contractor.

Munson, Reuben, came from Fai-mington, Conn., in 1784.
He built a house soon after, a little southeast of the southwest
schoolhouse, where he lived, and died in 1837. After him was
his son, John Munson, and he was succeeded by his son, Eras-
tus Smith Munson. The buildings were all burned about 1880.

Munson, Osee, lived on the place built on Grass Hill road
about one-third of a mile from Paul W. Field's, about 1800
by Zenas Field. It was afterwards occupied by Stephen Clark
and many others, including Lyman B. Abbott. Osee was a
strong abolitionist and run the underground railway.

Munson, Joel, was usually called "Silver Joel" to desig-
nate him from Joel, son of Reuben. He built on the "Easter
road," so called, leading from Whately center to West Whately
over Mt. Esther. He had a mill on Poplar Hill brook where he
turned cider mill screws, some four feet long or more, for press-
ing the apple pomace, and large blocks called "nuts" to crush
the apples and a variety of such articles, also plows, etc.

Munson, John, bought the John Graves place on Grass
Hill and lived there a number of years, then occupied his father's
old homestead. I think they manufactured hats for many years
as I recollect, but which of them I do not recall.

Munson, Erastus Smith, lived with his father and, after
the burning of the old homestead, bought the Hiram Smith
place and built large and commodious barns. When he died
he left his large estate to his two sons, Lyman A. and
Herbert S.

Nash, Joseph, was here sometime before 1783, as at that
time he was a citizen and elected to a town office. He lived in
Bradstreet's grant, some twelve orfifteen rods south of the house
of S. W. Allis. The house has been gone a great many years.

Nash, Abner, brother of Joseph, came with Joseph. He
built the house, near Joseph's, which was afterwards owned by
Joseph Brown, on what is S. W. Allis' land, torn down
about 1833.

Nash, Abel Wells, bought the cottage house built for
Seth Belden, and built the present house on the farm, about
1855. in the Bradstreet grant. Since his death his son, Charles
W., has occupied it.

io6

Nash, Thomas, came about 1840, furnished the mill
vacated by Hiram Smith with woolen machinery, and lived in
the Ashley Smith house. The mill was burned and he returned
to Williamsburg.

Nolan, James, bought the place formerly owned by Isaac
Chapman, about i860. It is probable that Ho.sea Curtis lived
here prior to living on the Elder Todd place west of Poplar Hill,
but I am not certain about it.

Orcutt, Stephen, Jr., by trade a tanner and shoemaker,
built a house at West brook, just north of the brook, on lot 61,
first division of Commons, about 1800, better known as the
Lemuel W' aite place. He was an active business man.

Orcutt, Eleazer F., a hotel keeper, built ov^r the house
next north of the hotel, in 1887, making it a beautiful residence.
He was a man of great abilit}' and died in 1889. The place is
now occupied by his vvidow and son-in-law, Geo. A. Elder. Esq.

Pakker, Abraham, built a house on lot 69 or 70, at Can-
terbury, in 1749. He came from Groton, Mass. He was
drowned 12 March. 1757, and was succeeded by his energetic
widow and, when old enough, by his son, Benjamin, his son.
Captain Asa. and he b> his son, Edwin C. In 1876 or '77 it
was boui^ht by Otis Hagar and is now owned by his brother,
Dexter F. Hagar.

Parker, Abel, a cousin of .\braham, removed to Hawley.
He built a house which he sold in April. 1775, to Dea. Thomas
Sanderson, with forty-five acres of land, lot 66, second division
of Commons.

Pease, Jabez, came from New York state about 1842 and
bought the Andrew Scott farm in the Bradstreet grant. The
house was built in 1823, taking the place of an old one built by
Joseph Scott and occupied by his sons, Consider, Leonard and
Andrew.

Pease, Henry C, bought the farm and house built by
John Ashcraft in 1863. Edward A. Scott sold to Mr. Pease.
The farm is part of the Gov. Bradstreet grant.

Pease, Charles F., bought the John Wood place, for-
merly owned by Solomon Atkins and Benjamin Scott, Jr., in
1789. Mr. Pease bought in 1847 and it is now occupied by
George F. Pease.

Pease, John H., son of Charles F., bought the place,
about 1893, that was built by Chester G. Crafts, about 1873.
This is on lot 37, second division of Commons.

I07

Philips, Richard, bought the place in the Straits next
south of Bartlett's corner, formerly owned by A. N. Claghorn,
Martin Woods and others too numerous to mention. This, too,
is in the Bradstreet grant.

Pe.\se. Solomon, probably lived in the Straits, but soon
removed to Heath. In 1S03 he built the house torn down by
John Woods who put up the present house owned by the heirs
of Charles F. Pease. Phineas Graves bought it.

Powers, Mokris J., lives on the Jacob Mosher place,
built in 1S33. The house torn down on this place was removed
from Great Plain, by Abraham Scott, about 17S5 — the Jonathan
Edson house. This is in the Rradstreet grant and it was drawn
not far from three and one-half miles by strings of oxen, by Mr,
Scott, on the snow.

Potter, Erastus, bought the place in Hopewell built by
Reuben Jenney, in 1819, perhaps a few years earlier. It is now
part of the great farm of S. W. Allis. The house has been
occupied by many families.

QuiNN, Edmoxd, came here in iS6[, bought the ganibrel-
roofud house in the Sti aits and the land, all in the Bradstreet
grant. The house was built by Benjamin Scott as earl}- as
1740. .Tiiere have been n.an\- owners. Martin Graves sold it
in 1788, and Heman Swift, R. T. Mi)rlon an-J others owned it,
and now the heirs of Edmond Quinn.

Reed, Simeon, owned the house and lot where David
Callahan re>ides. There was a small house on the place, con-
taining one room, pantry and bedroom, when he bought it, in
1823. He built a nice cottage house. He was a wheelwright
and had a shop on the place, a progressi\-e man and good
workman.

Robinson, Hiram, from Ware, lived on the Quinn place
and removed to Oliio.

Rogers, Benjamin, came about 1779 and settled on a
place in the west part of the town, near the north line on the
road from "Hard Scrabble," as the .southeast part of Conway
used to be called, leading to the Baptist meeting-house, and
probably built there. After his death the place was owned by
his son, George, and then by his son, Daniel, who died in 18 — .
George was a shoemaker and tanner and, doubtless, run the
tannery formerly owned by Paul Belden, after his removal to
Brookfield, Vt. His son, Daniel, was often called "Pidgeon
Rogers."

io8

KussELL, Charles, came from Hadley. He built about
1844 the house, later owned by I uther W. Clark, in Canter-
bury, and now owned bj^ Dr. Charles Shepard, who has remod-
eled the house, making it one of the prettiest places in town.

Root, Frederick J., from Westfield, lived on the Ran-
dall Graves place now owned by his widow, Mary Elizabeth,
who married Stephen C. Kingsley, 21 Dec, jSqS. They reside
on the place.

Richardson, Winslow, came from Bridgewater about
1778. He is supposed to have lived on and owned the farm
where tradition says Hosea Curtis lived, east of the Baptist
meeting-house, where afterwards Isaac Chapman lived. It is
now^ owned by James Nolan.

Rosevelt, Jacob, one of the Hessian soldiers under Bur-
goyne, lived in the house opposite Bartlett's corner. He was a
wheelwright and carried on his business there.

Sanderson, Joseph, came from Groton, in 1751, and set-
tled in Canterbury, just south of his townsman, Abraham
Parker. His first house was built just north of William H.
Fuller's, for the sake of protection as isolated houses were lia-
ble to attacks by strolling parties of Indians. Later he built
farther south, where the house of Rodolphus Sanderson was
burned a few years ago (1885). After his death, in 1772, he
was succeeded b}" his son, Dea. Thomas, and he by his son,
Maj. Thomas, and he by his sons, John C. and Rodolphus
Sanderson, and John C. by his son, Edward C. Then by Mrs.
Jenny Sanderson, widow of Edward A. Scott and her son, and
Rodolphus was succeeded by Thomas Sanderson. The old
farm is now held by Mrs. Scott and son, Herbert B.

Sanderson, JDea. Thomas, owned a great amount of real
estate, more than any other man in Whately. He bought the
Taylor property on Indian Hill, then in Deerfield, annexed to
Whately in 1810. This he left to his sons, Silas and EU, while
Maj. Thomas remained on the Canterbur}'' estate. His son,
Elijah, built in Canterbury, and Asa, Alvin and Chester re-
moved to Ashfield. All of them were prominent men. Alvin
died unmarried, was a clergyman, and founder of Sanderson
academy at Ashfield.

Sanderson, Elijah, son of Dea Thomas, built in 1805 or
'06, the house since occupied by his son, Elijah Dwight Sander-
son, and now owned by Walter W. Sanderson. He was a pro-
gressive and thrifty farmer.

log

Sanderson, Isaac, son of Joseph, built a house in West
Whately, west of the northwest schoolhouse. He w^as a cooper
by trade, and built in 17S2 or '83, and the old house has been
torn down. His sons, xA.llen and Horace, lived with him.
Allen removed to Ohio and Horace died in 1S52, and the land,
part of lots 37, 38 and 39, was added to the farm of Mr. Harvey.
So another farm was wiped out.

Sanderson, Asa, (a seventh son) widely known as "Doc-
tor Asa," was a tanner and shoemaker. He bought the farm
of Noah Field, 17 Feb., 17S0, which was parts of lots 37, 38
and 39, lying on the west side of Poplar Hill road. The house
was built by Xoah Field in 1773. A front house was built by
Dr. Sanderson about the time of Asa, Jr.'s, marriage in 1S19.
Now owned bv his grandson, Asa T. Sanderson.

Sanderson, Rufus. bought the farm where Peter Train
settled and built the present house in 176 1. After Peter died,
his son, Oliver Train, lived there until Rufus bought it and it is
now owned by Rufus D. Sanderson of Springfield.

Sanderson, Moses M., bought a portion of the farm of
his father, Rufus, and built on the east side of Poplar Hill road
opposite of his father's, in 1S52, where he has since lived. His
brother, Charles S., took a portion of the old farm and built a
house just south of his father's, about 1S60, on the west side of
the road.

Sanderson, Samuel, lived on the road leading to Grass
Hill, where Moses Hill built, about 18 10. His son, Edward E.,
built a new house on the new road to Williamsburg, about 1S65,
and tore down the old house.

Sanderson, John Chapman, built the house just north
of his great-grandfather, Joseph's, house, but on part of the
farm. The date is unknown to me. His daughter, Mrs. E. A.
Scott, and her son. Herbert, now live on the place.

Sanderson, Lyman M., son of Moses M., bought the
house and land where Ralph Warner built, just north of the
Elder Goodnough place, on the west side of Poplar Hill road,
just above the Baptist meeting-house, probably on lot 41, fourth
division of Commons.

Sanderson, Thomas, was a son of John C. After the
house burned on the site of Joseph Sanderson's house, he sold
the farm and purchased the Leonard Loomis property on Chest-
nut Plain street. It has been owned since 1896 by Hon. T. P.
Brown of Toledo, O., and is nicely arranged for a summer
residence.

no

Sanderson. Eli, built a house on Indian Hill west of his
father's, about 1816, since owned by his sons, Asahel and Eli
Wilson Sanderson, Eleazer Judd and Charles A. Sanderson. It
was burned about 1SS5.

Sanderson, Silas, lived with his father and succeeded
him on the homestead, after dividing with his brother, Eli.
The place was next owned by his son, Elon C, and now by his
son. George E., who has recently remodeled the large house,
making it a splendid residence.

Sartwell, Nathaniel, from Charlestown, X. H., built
or owned a house in Canterbury, in 1758, probably near the
houses of Joseph Sanderson and Philip Smith, as the three peti-
tioned the General Court that they might be released from pay-
ing a minister and school taxes in Hatfield, as they we^e li\dng
within a mile of Sunderland where they attended church and
their children went to school. As the distance was fully five
miles to Hatfield, this was granted, but he removed later.

Scott, Josiah Sr., was born in Hatfield in 1671. and
probably settled on the Bradstreet farm as earty as 1730, or
earlier, as at that time he had the road that was voted to be laid
16 May, 1718, from the upper end of the lower mile, three rods
wide, to Deerfield road. He afterwards had it changed to run
further south, and he was to keep a good gate at the west end.
So, from all the evidence, I think that he lived where now is
the house of Charles F. Pease. When he was an old man he
lived on the north plain yet on the Bradstreet farm. He deeded
the northernmost lot in Bradstreet's to his son, Josiah Scott,
Jr., "With all of the buildings where I now live," in 1745.

Scott, Benjamin, son of Josiah, Sr., born 1708, lived
in Whately and died there i Aug., 1782, at 74 years of age.
He doubtless lived where now is the Quinn house which was
built as early as 1740 to '45. In the time of the Revolutionary
war he was often called on by the town for loans of silver money
to keep up the quota of men in the army. He lived in a house
that Benjamin Coole}' tore down when he built the present
structure.

Scott, Benjamin, Jr., lived where is now the house of
Dennis Hayes. He was an ardent patriot, and he and his father
loaned silver money to the town to procure substitutes for the
army in the Revolutionary war. His land was in the Bradstreet
grant. Seth Belden lived on the place awhile, also several
others. Perhaps Mr. Scott built the original house. Benjamin

rrr

Cooley was brought up by Mr. Scott, and doubtless the latter
gave or sold the farm of twenty acres to him about 1798.

Scott, Joseph, (3) Joseph, (2) William, (i) bom at
Hatfield in [722, was a brother of Master Da\'id Scott. He set-
tled first on the Deerfield road on a lot that is now the northern
lot in Hatfield, some twenty-five rods south of where the
"Mother George'" road unites with the Deerfield road. He
lived there until about 1758 or '60, then removed to the Straits,
a mile and one-half north on the same road, and built a house
on the farm now owned by Fred A. Hawley. The old house
was replaced by the present structure, erected by Mr. Jabez
Pease in 1S42. The place where Mr. Scott first settled is known
as the Elijah Belden place, on the west side of Deerfield road,
directly east of the R. M. Swift farm, whose land abuts. The
old house was pulled down about 1830 and Belden built in
Hopewell. Joseph, 3d, was followed by his son, Joseph, 4th, and
by his grandsons. Consider, Lamed and Andrew, the tinners,
who sold to Jabez Pease. The tin shop has been gone many
years. They manufactured the ware and then, with two-horse
teams, transported it to Maryland and Virginia. Consider died
in Virginia, when on one of his trips, in 1815.

Scott, Joseph, Jr., lived in the house on the farm where
F. A. Hawley now lives, before 1785. He and his sons carried
on the tinning business at that place a number of years.

Scott, Dayid, or as usually called, "Master" Scott, was
a carpenter, born in Hatfield in 1777. He settled early — about
1750 to '51 — on the North Plain. He bought the house of
Lieut. Ebenezer Bardwell. Mr. Bardwell then built another
house on Chestnut Plain street, or where it ran to avoid the
wet, mucky land from Benoni Crafts' house to where Noah
Wells lived, near Randall Graves' place. This house "Master"
Scott also bought, after Bardwell's death, 7 April, 1812, and
then subsequently built on his lot. No. 68, second division of
Commons, on the east side of Chestnut Plain street. He was a
great hunter. He was succeeded by his son. Lieut. Abel, then
his son, Abel, then his son, Ambrose, and now his sons, Frank
O. and Lewis, live on the old farm.

Scott, Selah, built a house on the north part of his
father's farm about 1783. He died in [826 and his son, Hor-
ace, and his son, Luther G., followed, and now Lewis A. Scott
lives there.

Scott, Abraham, lived on the place where Jacob Mosher

112

lived. He moved the house that he bought on Great Plain,
built by Jonathan Edson. It was moved on shoes, by strings of
oxen, three and one-half miles, when the snow was just right.
The house was quite long, but only one story and he cut it in
halves to move. This was pulled down when the present cot-
tage was built, in 1845, in Bradstreet's grant, on the east side of
the road.

Scott, Isr.iel, a blacksmith, lived in the Straits, on the
^Captain W'illiam Fa}' place. The bulk of this was in the Brad-
street grant.

Shattuck, Captain Oliver, a Revolutionary ofBcer,
owned the Ebenezer Barnard place in 1774. He sold to Bar-
nard in 17S7 and removed to Hawley. I do not know who
built the house, but hardly think it was Capt. Shattuck. He
died 27 Aug., 1797.

Seymour, Rev. Charles N., came from Hartford, Conn.,
and settled over the Congregational church in Whately. He
was installed 9 March, 1853, dismissed 27 April, 1859. During
his stay in town he made many friends among people of liberal
thought, but rather antagonized the over-zealous.

Seymour, Dr. James Dwight, came to Whately in 1878
and resided first in the Ferguson house, but has since bought
the house built by John Lyman Morton in 1842, on the west
side of Chestnut Plain street. He has a beautiful cottage house.

Smith, Elisha, was one of the original settlers in the
Straits, and was uniformly called "Goodman Smith." He
came in 1732, perhaps earlier. He built near w^here his de-
scendant, Israel S. Smith, now lives. It was in the Bradstreet
grant, on the west side of the Straits. After him his son, Gad
Smith, not only run the farm, but kept a hotel and store,
and slaughtered beef which he sent to the West Indies. In his
old age he sold out to David Stockbridge, and Chester Stock-
bridge lived there many years. The house, or a portion of it,
was sold to E. H. Woods and constitutes a good share of the
Woods house, near the railroad station.

Smith, Philip, son of Elisha, built the old house where
William Cutler Smith now lives. He was succeeded by Beza-
liel and then his son, Osee, and then William Cutler Smith, who
built the present house about 1867.

Smith, Paul, son of Elisha, built the house on Grass Hill
about 1760. The house and farm was afterwards occupied by
his son. Capt. Rufus Smith. After that the house was removed

113

to James Factory and owned some years by Calvin Knig'.ts n: d
then purchased by C. H. Field. It is claimed that the; e wtie
twenty-five children born to Paul and Rufus in the eld !:• v.^e ;
that not a room was plastered ; that they brought the \.:.Ler in
barrels some thirty rods, and that they went into their upper
rooms on a ladder. This house was deserted in iSjS by the
Smiths, who bought the AUis place of David Morton.

Smith, Jonathan, built west of Mt. Esther, where h's
son, Seth, afterwards Hved. He bought lot No. 52, fourth di\:-
sion of Commons. 13 Aug., 17S9. The house was torn down
and removed about 1858.

Smith, Silas, lived west of Poplar Hill on the place after-
wards known as the Elder Todd place. Mr. Smith built as
early as 1770, probably earlier. He afterwards lived on Poplar
Hill, just south of the Consider Waite place. After him came
Anthony Waite and then Emmons Meekins.

Smith, Benjamin, Esq., was a justice of the peace and
quite a prominent man in town. I have never known where he
lived, but think about 1775 he occupied a large house, (painted
red) on the east side of the Straits, which was long kept as a
hotel. Old Mrs. Samuel Bartlett. who was a daughter of Gad
Smith, (his brother) said that at one time several officers of the
British navy or army, who were prisoners in the time of the
Revolution, were quartered "In a large red house that was
formerly a hotel," and that one of them put his name on a pane
of ^lass ^A-ith a diamond, and that she had often seen it when a
small girl. Mrs. Bartlett was born in 1790. She said she did
not know who kept the hotel, nor could she tell where Esquire
Smith lived. When she was married, in iSio, there were three
hotels in the Straits, and her father. Gad Smith, Joel Waite and
David Stockbridge were the proprietors.

Smith, Asa, son of Philip, born in 1770, was a carpenter.
He bought of Rev. Rufus Wells, in 1S26, lot Xo. 28. second
divisionof Commons, on the east side of Chestnut Plain street,
at the mouth of the "Mother George" road, that was on >the
north side of this lot, but then unused for travel. The house
was not finished until purchased by Eurotus Morton. He sold
to Rev. John Ferguson and it has since been owned by G. W.
Reed, and now b}- Henry A. Brown.

Smith, Elijah, bought 19 Jan., 179S, of Martin Graves,
the gambrel-roofed house on the east side of the Straits, all in
the Bradstreet grant. This was built by Benjamin Scott, Sr., very

114

early, possibl}- as soon as 1735 to '40, thus making it the oldest
house in town, except a portion of the David Graves house now
owned by Wells T. Smith. The house and farm is now owned
by the Quinn family. The farm contained thirty-seven and one-
half acres, all tillage land.

Smith, Dea. Jaimes, came in 1806. He bought the mills
and house of Isloses Munson, Jr. There were some ten or
twelve acres of land. The gristmill was run until about 1830,
and then changed into a factory for making bits, saw-sets,
gimlets, and other products. The last miller that I recall was
Caleb Beals. The place was afterwards owned by his son,
Justin R. Smith, and now it is owned by Asa T. Sanderson.

Smith, Henry, son of Capt. Rufus, lived on and owned
the Daniel Allis farm. Who built the house I have no positive
information, but it is probable that it was Daniel Allis, as he
was on the farm as early as 1782.

Smith, Hiram, son of Capt. Rufus, bought the Phineas
Frary place. The old house was removed and the present cot-
tage house built by Mr. Smith about 1840. It is now owned by
Lyman A. and Herbert S. Monson.

Smith, Ashley, son of Capt. Rufus, built the house oppo-
site the northwest schoolhouse about 1827, now owned by E.
A. Jenney's heirs.

Smith, Isaac, son of Esquire Benjamin, built a two-stor}'
house on land south of Stephen Belden's in the Straits, in the
Gov. Bradstreet grant, about 1795. This house had several
occupants, among them being Joseph Brown. It passed into
the hands of David Stockbridge, Esq., and when he built his
new hotel on the River road, he moved this house there and it
is the ell part of that house, and now owned by Frank B. Mor-
ton's heirs.

Smith, Jonathan, Jr., lived near his father's, perhaps in
the Frary house.

Smith, David, probably built a house, but I have no defi-
nite information concerning it. His widow, Betsey, I well
recollect. She lived near Esquire Seth Smith's.

Smith, Roswell, son of Esquire Benjamin, married Mary
Pratt of Deerfield. Their son, Elihu, married Anna Belden of
Whately and removed to Hadley.

Taylor, Lieut. Adonijah, bought about 200 acres of
land and built a house and mills, on Indian Hill, in 1760. His
purchase included the famous "Whately Glen." He sold to

115

Dea. Thomas Sanderson and removed to Hawley. The farm is
still owned by the great-grandsons, Charles A. and George E. —
the latter owns the bulk of it.

Train, Peter, from Watertown, Mass., built the house
generally known as the Rufus Sanderson place, on Poplar Hill,
road, about 1761 or '62, afterwards owned by his son, Oliver,
and after his death, in 1820, by different ones, including Rufus
Sanderson, and it is now owmed by Rufus D, Sanderson.

Train, Roswell, a blacksmith, built on a portion of the
old farm, about 1829, since owned by his son, Horace.

Todd, Rev. Asa, bought the farm of Silas Smith. This
was purchased for him by a committee of the new Baptist
church, \dz. : John Brown, Isaiah Brown, John Graves and Joel
Waite of Whately, Jesse Warner and Elisha Smith of Conway,
18 Oct., 1790. It was sold 15 April, 1803, to Zebulon Robinson
of Chesterfield, for ^450, or more likely, dollars. The house
has long since been gone.

An extract from the will of John Waite, dated 21 March,
1743, gives his son, John Waite, Jr., who settled in the Straits,
"My fift>'-acre lot, right in the Bradstreet grant, bought of
Zachariah Field, with edifices thereon, near the west end of the
lot, whereon be now dwells, and /^i5o in bills of the old tenor,
besides what I have heretofore given him." The Waite house
was on the west side of the Straits road, and was also in the
Bradstreet grant, but within about forty rods of the west bound-
ary. The fifty acres given by the will were all east of the road
and extend east to the river. The subsequent owners have
been his son, Joel, widely known as "Landlord Waite," as he
kept a hotel here for many years, next by his son, John, usually
called "Little Johnnie Waite," Rufus Smith, Emerson C. War-
ner, and in 1899 it was bought by Charles H, Pease.

Waite, Dea. Simeon, built in 1760, on lot 37, second
division of Commons, in Christian lane, sold to Abial Bragg 115
acres in 1776, and Mr. Bragg sold in 1787 to Dr. Benjamin
Dickinson, and then to Jonathan Colton Loomis and it is now
owned by his son, Calvin S. Loomis. The land consisted of
parts of lots 37, 2)^^ and 39, on the north side and parts of lots
36, 35 and 34, south of Christian lane road. For further par-
ticulars see account of Abial Bragg's sales.

Waite, Elihu, built on one of the lots owned by him.
He owned the west end of lots 66, 67, 68 and 69, fourth division
of Commons, extending from Todd brook to Williamsburg line.

ii6

The iiouse, Iniilt about 177S, is probably on lot No. 66. There
v/as a log house on the lots formerly owned b}- Isaac Marsh,
generally known as "Cider Marsh," as he had an awful capacity
for cider. It is related that cider distillers used to call their
•30-liarrel tanks "Marsh's tumblers," and they said that he
could at a single trial settle the fluid about a foot at a draught.
What became of Marsh, or why he built on those lots I do not
know.

Waite, Consider, brother of Elihu, built on parts of lots
66. 67. 6S and 69, abutting abreast the east end of Elihu's lots,
and extending east half a mile or thereabouts. It seems that
these lots were owned before this by Elisha Waite, of Hatfield,
and l>y him deeded to these parties — Elihu and Consider. He
built on lot ()7, probably earlier than 177S. The succeeding
occupants are unknown, except his son, Capt. Enos, or John
Waite.

Waite. Jonathan, brother of Elihu and Consider, was a
clothier. He lived some years where Mrs. Sumner Smith re-
sides. Then he bought a house in Conway and removed to the
north part of Grass Hill, now occupied by his granddaughter,
]Mrs. Oscar \^'. Grant.

\^'aite. Alpha, son of .Jonathan, built a house north of
his father's. Since his death it has been occupied by his
widow. His son died in the army.

Waite, Thomas, son of Nathan, built the house now
occupied by his nephew, John Edward Waite, about 1822,
where he died.

"Waite, Jeremiah, built the house on the crossroad from
Claverack. about 18 15, now owned b}' Thomas Fleming.

Waite, Chester K., built the house sold to Eli Jones,
under Shingle Hill.

Waite, Jeremiah, Sr., with his father, Nathan, then an
eld man. came to Whately in 1782 or '83, and bought a house
r:nd land on Shingle Hill. Later, (in 1793) they bought the
] lace at West Whately since occupied b}- Nathan, son of Jere-
!:iiah. then by John Bement, son of Nathan, and now by Willis
F. Waite. The father of Jeremiah died here in 17SS, aged 87
years, thus making six generations, counting the child of
Willis F. This was probably on lot No. 18, fourth division of
Comr.icns, on the road leading to Grass Hill, although there
migr.t have been more than one lot.

Waite, John Jr., built the Moses Graves house, about

117

rjTO or 'jr, ou the north side of Christian lane, on lot 37, second
division of Commons. It has since been owned b)' Moses
Graves, his son, Lucius, and now by Fred L. Graves.

Waite. Joel, built on the site of an old house erected
by Joseph Belden, which he tore down, and built the new one in
1830. This is near the Stockbridge hotel and was in the Brad-
street grant.

Waite, Calvin, son of Elihu, built a house near his fath-
er's, in 18 ro or ' 1 1, on the Dn,' Hill road, now owned by E. A.
Warner.

Waite, Justin, built a house near the mill, about 1854,
now owned by Samuel Wilder who also owns the mill.

Warner, Luther, built the house and mill on the new
road up the W^est brook, about 1828 or '30. It is now owned
by Charles A. Covill.

Warner, Ralph, built a house on Poplar Hill road, or,
perhaps, bought the house built by Capt. Seth Bardwell, now
owned by Lyman M. Sanderson.

Warner, Foster, Y., built a fine house on Mill Hill,
where he lived and died. After his death his widow resided
there until she died, in 189S. He also built a cottage house,
which was aften\'ards occupied by his son, Emerson C.

Wells, Noah, came to Whately in 1758 and built a house
on the west side of Chestnut Plain street, about fifteen rods
south ot the house of the late Wells Dickinson. It was torn
down a great many years ago. He was succeeded by his son,
Lemuel, and for a time by Israel Wells.

Wells, Perez, built a house on lot 13, second division of
Commons. This was torn down after his decease in 1852, and a
new house was built in 1854 by his son, Lewis Wells. After him
his son, Isaac N., lived there, then W, N. Beals, then Warren
E. Wells, and now owned by Patrick Conolly.

Wells, Israel, built the hou.se next north of Ashley G.
Dickinson's, on the west side of Chestnut Plain street, now owned
by David Callahan.

Wells, Calvin, bought the Capt. Salmon Graves place,
in Chestnut Plain street, after 1826, probably in 1827. This has
since been occupied by his son. Porter Wells, and now by his
son, David P. Wells.

Wells, Perez Milton, built a house on Mill Hill be-
tween the houses of E. C. Warner and Francis G. Bardwell.

Wells, Rev. Rufus, built his house in 1772, on the west

ii8

side of Chestnut Plain street, on lot 28, fourth division of Com-
mons. Since occupied b}' his son, Capt. Luke Wells, then
opened for a hotel and so used for quite a number of )"?ars. It
was then occupied by Dr. Chester Bardwell, after^vards burned.
Then a new house was built on the site by Ernest A. AUis, and
since he died it has been occupied by a family from Boston by
the name of Clapp. Mr. Wells commenced to build his house
early after his settlement. The cellar was dug and stoned up
in 1772, as Dea. Thomas Sanderson'.^ books show, dated May,
1772 : "To Avork digging the cellar and drawing stone for the
same by myself and brothers, Asa and John, eighteen days with
team." After the house was completed his mother, Sarah
Wells, lived with him until she died, in 17S3, and kept his
house until he was married.

Wells. Elisha, son of Noah, built a house on Dn,' Hill
road, south of Elihu Waite's, just before descending the hill to
the Dexter Morton sawmill on West brook. The old well was-
in existence as late as 1S80. He removed to Hawley where
he died.

White, Capt. Salmon, settled in Whately in 1762, and
built a house on the west side of Chestnut Plain street, probably
on lot No. 13 or 14, fourth division of Commons. He was very
prominent in all town affairs, and died in 1815. After his de-
cease his son, John, succeeded him, then Luke B., then Henry
K., and the place is now occupied by Mrs. Henry K. White.

White, Salmon. Jr.. built opposite, on the east side of
Chestnut Plain street, in the second division of Commons, about
1785 or 1786. He died in 1822, and was succeeded by Dea.
Justus, and he by Dea. John White, and he by Salmon P.
White, and it is now owned by Cornelia M. White.

White, Samuel B., son of Esquire John, built the house
now owned b}' John W. Beers, and his son. Arthur H., also the
house owned by Dea. Meekins. He kept a store in a portion of
the house. The house was remodeled by Rev. John W. Lane.

White, John M., son of Luke B., now owns the house
formerly owned by William H. Fuller at Canterbury. He has
a beautiful home.

Wilcox, Luther S., a carpenter, built a house opposite
Bartlett's corner, on the road to the railroad station, in 1858.
He afterwards rebuilt the house owned by William Bardwell, in
1883, where he died. I^he previous occupants were Dea. David
Saunders, Widow Phelps and her son, Edward. The first
house was built by Landlord Joel Waite, in 1809.

119

I

Wilder, Dea. Samuel, a miller and dealer in flour,
grain, etc., came to Whately about 1S82 to '83. He bought the
mills of the Wells brothers — Charles and Perez M. — also the
house and land of Justin Waite's estate, and in company with
his son, Henry A., does a large business.

WiNCHELL, Reuben, built the brick house now owned by
the Donovan brothers, about iSio. It has since been owned by
Mr. Bates and Eurotus Dickinson.

Woods, William and Josiah, about 1S40 built the house
now owned by Aaron E. Waite, in the Straits.

Woods, Ellipaz H., built the house where he lived at
East Whately, in 1850. or he bought the old Gad Smith house,
or the upright portion of it, and moved it and built the ell part,
barns, etc., now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Sarah E. Morton.
The house is on lot 36, second division of Commons.

Woods, John, built the house now^ owned by the heirs of
Charles F. Pease, in the Straits, tearing down the old house in
1S47, 3-11 i" the Rradstreet grant. Probably the first house was
built by Josiah Scott, Sr., about 1728, perhaps earlier by ten
years.

Woods, Sa^iuel A., built his houce about 1S70, on lot ^6,
second division of Commons. George E. Woods also built a
house on the same lot. This last is now owned by the heirs of
Samuel W. Steadman.

CHAPTER VII.

WHATELY EARLY SETTLERS.

The preceding pages indicate whence many of the first
settlers on our territory' came. Other early settlers, as Parker,
Sanderson, Shattuck and Sartle came from Groton, Mass., and
vicinit}'. The families of Train, Bragg and Carley were from
Watertown and came through Marlboro, Shrewsbury and
Petersham. Edward Brown was from Colchester, Ct. The
later settlers as Edson, Carey, Snow, Faxon, Byram, Richard-
son and, perhaps. Turner and Allen, were from Bridgewater,
Mass., and vicinity. Jonathan Edson came by way of Stafford,
Conn., and Ashfield. These Bridgewater families were all con-
nected b}' marriage, and most of them, as also Carley, from
Petersham, became acquainted with the valley while marching
to and fro as soldiers during the French war.

The line of forts, including Fort Dummer, already named,
Fort Shirley in Heath, Fort Pelham in Rowe, Fort Massachu-
setts at East Hoosac, (now Adams) and some minor works
established in 1744 and '45, formed a barrier against the Indians
and gave a sense of security to the settlers in this part of the
valley. But the struggle between England and France for the
possession of Canada and the line of lakes westward to the
Mississippi — in which Hampshire county (then covering the
entire western part of the State) from its frontier position, would
naturally become involved — kept up the war spirit and drew oflf
many of the young men, who were thus subtracted from the
labor and productive efiBciency of the settlement, just when such
labor and productive efficiency were most needed. Many of

121

these young men were slain or disabled, while others acquired
habits which unfitted them for the patient toil and economy-
necessary to success in an agricultural community.

Land was plenty. The Hatfield emigrants had, either in
their own right or by inheritance, their lots in the fourth divi-
sion of Commons, in the three-mile addition and in the Hatfield
equivalent. Several of them, as has been stated, were proprie-
tors in the Bradstreet farm. Land was cheap, and many lots in
the Commons hereabouts had been forfeited by neglect to fence
or refusal to pay rates and charges and could be had of the
town for the asking, or bought for seven shillings, six pence per
acre. The price of an acre of land and a pair of shoes was the
same for a number of years, from 1765 to '80. It would be in-
teresting to give the exact location and boundaries of the farms,
as first taken up.

Farming, to all except those who owned river lots, was
more laborious than they liad been accustomed to in Hatfield.
Their fields were smaller and harder to break up and till, and
the yield of grain less. But ia the matter of pasturage they
were gainers. The hillsides, especially where the numerous
springs coursed their way down, afforded the sweetest feed, both
early and late, and they seem to have depended largely upon
stock raising, as will appear from the large number of cows and
sheep found in 1771.

But they met serious inconveniences and drawbacks, espe-
cially those living on Chestnut Plain, and west of Mount Esther.
The highways had not been worked nor the bridges built. Mill
river and West brook could be crossed only at the fording
places. The only traveled way to Hatfield village was over
"The island," by way of "Mother George." They had no
school privileges for their children. The nearest corn mill was
five miles distant.

But the evil which they felt most deeply was the distance
from Sabbath ordinances. The Sabbath was a sacred day then,
and it was believed to be a duty to go to meeting on the Sab-
bath, and children, as well as parents, were expected to regu-
larly attend church. The common means of conveyance then
was on horseback, and this continued to be the ordinary mode
of traveling till 18 10 or later. The usual charge for a horse and
saddle from Whately to Hatfield was, for a man, nine pence, for
a woman, eight pence. When a man took his wife on the pil-
lion behind him, the charge was ten pence. They might have

• 122

rode in ox carts, but oxen were "cattle," specified in the com-
mandment, and the Sabbath was as sacred to them as to their
owners.

With the muhiplied churches (then called meeting-houses)
and multiplied means of conveyance, and changed habits of
thought of the present, it is difficult for us to realize the state
of things at that day. Probable the change of sentiment is as
great as the change of circumstances. The Sabbath morning, in
this remote settlement, dawned on a quiet, altogether peculiar.
Secular labor had been carefully finished, in-doors and out, at
sunset the preceding evening. All were required to rise early,
that the necessary chores might be seasonably done. The cattle
seemed to understand that their day of rest had come. Even
the dog kept the reckoning correctly.

It is still a tradition in the family, that Deacon Sanderson's
dog, "Cudjoe," was never known to leave his place under the
table on the Sabbath, unless specially called. The baked
beans were in the oven, still warm, and ready for both the
morning and evening meal. The good wife had her hands full
to get all the children and herself ready, and stir up the Indian
pudding for the noon lunch. [The uniform custom was to mix
up a pudding, put it in a bag or pudding pot, which could be
stowed in the saddlebags or slung to the saddle. When they
got to Hatfield street, which was always early, they stopped at
one of their cousin's or nephew's houses, when the pudding was
put in the family pot, and was found ready boiled when meeting
was out at noon.]

The five or six miles to be traveled required an early start,
and each Sabbath during the warm season witnessed nearly the
same scene. For a time Noah Wells was the farthest from
meeting. Himself and wife and the two youngest children
mounted the old horse, the six older children had started ahead
on foot; next Master Scott, his wife and ten children, joined
successively by Benoni Crafts and his family of six, by Thomas
Crafts and his family of ten, by Daniel Morton and his family
of ten, by Oliver Graves and his family of eleven, by Oliver
Morton and his family of seven, bj' Deacon Dickinson and his
family of eight. These formed a goodly cavalcade as they left
the street, at the point where afterwards the first meeting-house
was built, to go over the fording place, and down through
"Egypt." All were clad in homespun, yet were as proud of
their clean linen, felt hats and high crowned bonnets as the city

123

belle of her silks and satins, for pride has nothing to do with the
quality or cut of the cloth one wears.

The boys and girls were bare-footed, carrying their shoes
in their hands, to be put on when they reached the pine grove,
a half mile this side of Hatfield meeting-house, and worn till
they should reach the same grove on their return. Each recur-
ring Sabbath morning witnessed this — a strange sight to us, and
yet, as seen then, it had nothing about it remarkable, nothing
offensive to good taste and propriety, nothing inconsistent with
self-respect and competence, nothing derogatory to the purest
and noblest type of girlhood and boyhood, womanhood and
manhood, nothing but what God approved and smiled lipon.

It had its personal discomforts and petty trials; it was a
long "Sabbath day's journey," but all this was anticipated.
And their love for the sanctuar>' and the hope of better days,
when they should have their own meeting-house and minister,
kept them in good heart. Neither in this matter nor in the
inconveniences of ever%'-day life, did they show disappointment
or indulge regrets. They had chosen their home and had
settled here to stay, and at once set about securing the means
of comfort and independence.

Beyond the prime necessities of food, clothing and shelter,
the wants of daily life are affected very much by contrast and
comparison. Envy springs from disparity of condition. Repin-
ing as often follows the bettered lot of another as the straitened
lot of ourselves; and as all here had so many wants in common,
for a time all appear to have been substantially contented. In
their circumscribed sphere they found solid comfort, and were
as independent as we are. Most of the men could fell the for-
ests, rift the timber for clapboards, fit a frame, mend a cart and
hoop a barrel. Most of the women were skilled in all the mys-
teries of preparing flax and wool for cloth, in weaving and in
cutting and making clothing.

David Scott, Sr., appears to have been the first professed
carpenter in the place. But he laid out his work by the "Try
rule," or the rule of six, eight and ten, i. e., the sills, posts and
beams were framed and tried, and the braces were laid on to
mark their bevels and length. Master Scott's prime precept
was, "Make great mortises and 'leetle' tenons, and your work
will go together charming easy ! ' ' He, as well as his son, Abel,
made plows, ox yokes, carts, etc. Thomas and Benoni Crafts
did most of the coopering.

124

As a part of the design of this book is to preserve a record
of the manners and cusioms of our fathers, and as the genera-
tion that saw these early homes is now so nearly gone — with
whom will perish the first-hand knowledge — it will not be out of
place here to draw a rough sketch of one of those houses and
the family within. Perhaps our grandchildren may be inter-
ested in looking at it. As we open the outside door we are
confronted by a large pile of fiat stones, carefully laid, which
runs up slightly tapering to and through the roof and which we
shall presently learn is the end of the fireplace and chimney.
Beside this stands a ladder, or rough stairway, leading into the
open attic. The next and only remaining door leads directly
into the large living room, which is both kitchen, sitting room
and parlor. We notice that the walls and ceiling of this room
are not plastered and the bare timbers are not very smoothly
hewed. But what strikes us most forcibly is the fireplace, or
inside of that huge pile of stones which takes up not less than
half the end of the room, and into which we can walk without
much stooping. Inside the jambs stands the ' 'settle, ' ' on which
five persons can comfortably sit. Inside the settle stands the
"dye pot." Down from the cavernous chimney hang the hooks
and trammels on which the big iron pot is suspended, and handy
by hangs the flip iron. In the comer of the room opposite the
fireplace is the bed, with its white linen, or dingy tow sheets
and pillow-biers, and its striped outside blanket, and under it
the trundle-bed. In the next corner stands the cupboard, with
Its wooden and pewter sets neatly arranged. Near by are the
"swifts" and the "great wheel," if it is autumn, or the "little
wheel," if it is spring. Then there is the pine table in its place,
the four-legged stools, the flag-bottomed, high-backed chairs
and the cradle. Under the looking-glass is a small stand on
which lies the family Bible. The catechism and hymn book, if
our call is at the deacon's house, are put in one corner of the
cupboard. On a pair of deer's horns are suspended the gun,
powderhom and ball-pouch. Overhead are poles laid on hooks
for drj'ing pumpkins or herbs and airing clothes. The family
chest is at the foot of the bed. On two nails driven into the
plate over the fireplace is laid a birch rod about three feet long,
the use of which the children then perfectly understood, but
which is now among the lost arts.

As we met the boy nearest ten years old, just starting for
the mill, with two bags of grain on the old horse, and himself

125-

perched.on tlie top of the bags, and saw the father and older
boys at work with. the oxen, we find only the mother and the:
girlsand the- younger children at home. If it is-early morning,
we find them in their woolen short gowns and busy at work-;
perhaps- it is dain' work, perhaps common housework, perhaps-
getting, on the great pot for dinner, for the pudding needs .three-
good hours' boiling. \'er}' likely the mother is carding wool,
or tow, or perhaps she is spinning on the great wheel if it is-j
wool. or tow, on the little wheel if it is flax. Or. perhaps, from,
a-peculiar thwacking noise, we know she is working at the loom-
overhead.

If we stop to dinner, as we had better do if invited, we shall
have a; most savory platter of "boiled victuals," corned beef,
and pork, with turnips, green corn and beans, and a full-sized.
Indian pudding. The pudding will be served first, or rather
we shall becalled upon "To help ourselves," as they all do. A^
mug of' homemade beer is ready to go from mouth to mouth, as.
required, and the "tapster," the boy who got up last in the
morning, is- ready to fill it up again when empty.

If. our call is made of a winter's evening, even if we ga-
early, there will be a roaring fire, for the evening backlog is
always of extra size, as the boys don't want to put in a new one
before going to bed and all want a good bed of coals when they
get up in the morning. With the great forestick. and an armful.
of:wood well going, the room is warm, and almost. as- light with-
out.thepine knot or tallow candle as with it. The trundle-bed,
ia-out.and. the three little ones are snugly asleep. Their mother
ia--busy mending, for do what she can the children will. tear. and.
wear their clothes, and "It is so much handier," so she says,
"Mending, them when the children are out of the way." Later.
iUithe evening she will be knitting, as this is never finished, for.
"grandpa" wants his stockings full, and so long that they will
garter. over the knee, and eleven pairs of feet, the average num^
ber in a family then, can try both mother's and grandmother's
nimble needles. The girls are sewing, perhaps the youngest
i&- playing hull-gull or checkers with the brother next her in
ag.e. The. boys are shelling corn, or splintering, candle wood or.
ciphering. The father is peeling Indian brooms, or bottoming,
chairs, or braiding a whip, or, when he feels Like it and the-yarn
is knit up close, he holds the skein for the mother to wind a.
new ball, "The girls do make such work, when they and.thet
boys-wind^it ! ' '

126

You are struck with the deference, amounting almost to
reverence, which is paid to the aged grandparents. They are
expected to take the lead in conversation and the younger ones
do not even whisper when they are talking. Grandmother is
privileged to sa\" what she pleases and to whom she pleases and
when she pleases. If conversation should seem to flag, the wife
is ready to tell, with just a little of pride, how many "runs" she
has spun in a week besides taking the whole care of the milk ;
what extra luck she has had in "dyeing" ; and the new style of
check she wove in that best blanket; and how much linen she
put in the last web of linsey.

Perhaps a neighbor drops in. and then for some good sto-
ries. If it is Master Scott or Benoni Crafts, he can tell of hunt-
ing exploits with bears and deer most marvelous and fascinat-
ing. He does not seem to be so very old, but you wonder how
a man can go through in one lifetime all that he recounts. If it
is old Mr. Parker, he loves to tell how the wntch flew from the
top of Sugar Loaf and lighted on a large oak that stood close
by the highway near Joseph Sanderson's., and broke or bent the
top into a curious shape, and then disappeared in the ground,
leaving a hole which, to his certain knowledge, could never be
plowed up ! And which, he might have added, the children
always passed on a run and upon "The other side!" If the
visitor be a Belding or a Waite, he is full of reminiscences of
King Philip's war, when his ancestors were scalped by the Indi-
ans or taken ofi" to Canada. And, after the flip has been passed
round, Lieut. Ebenezer Bardwell will give his own experience
in the French wars, which are so fresh and full of incidents of
Indian cruelty and torture, and told with such minuteness and
graphic power as to make the younger girls crouch behind their
mother's chair, and tremble when they go to bed. But all is
hearty and sincere, and "without offence." And the evening
prayer that comes before the last good night is "sweet incense,"
because offered from grateful and confiding hearts.

Such were the homes of the olden time, then common ■
throughout this valley. And "home" was then a word with a
real meaning, for home occupations, home pleasures, home
associations and relationships filled up the round of daily life.

The want of commodities creates a demand, and a supply
soon follows. A gristmill was built at Indian Hill by Lieut.
Adonij ah Taylor about 1763, and a sawmill only two or three
years later. The sawmill stood where the Sandersons' mills

127

now are, but the gristmill was some distance below. Afterwards
a gristmill was built farther up the glen. About the same time
a sawmill was built by Edward Brown at West street, on the
site of the present mill owned by Rufus Sanderson & Son. And
somewhat later, but before 1770, a gristmill and sawmill were
set up by Reuben Belding on the site known as the Isaac Frary
privilege. A tan house was built, probably in 1763 or '64, by
Paul Belden.

For the raw material of a new supply of clothing they had
only to wait till the first clip of wool and the first crop of flax
could be prepared. The working up into cloth was all done at
home. As early as 1709 Hatfield voted that Jeremiah Waite
have liberty to set up a fulling mill at West brook, reserving
the right to build a sawmill there, should occasion ever require,
but it wasn't done.

Cotton from the West Indies began to be used in the valley
quite early. It was spun upon a large wheel, like wool.
Checks and stripes of all cotton, or cotton and wool, were not
uncommon. Checked shirts were all the fashion for men and
boys in this neighborhood for sometime before the Revolution.
Checked aprons and striped bedticks were in use. But the
largest part of the cloth for ordinary wearing apparel and bed-
ding was made of wool or linen or a mixture of the tvvo, called
linsey-woolsey.

Tow, which is the refuse combings of flax, was used fOr
coarse stuff. Homemade tow cloth was of ready sale to the
country merchants, who sent it to Hartford and other centres of
trade where it was in demand. Many a young wife, or older
daughter who expected scon to become a wife, has got out a
web of fine tow cloth and exchanged it for calico or silk, or other
coveted articles of dress or household luxur\'. The price of tow-
was about three pence per pound, and the common price for
weaving it was six pence per yard. Yard-wide tow cloth sold
at two shillings a yard, though the price varied according to
circumstances. Checked cloths of linen and woolen were also
an article of traffic and were sometimes made in excess of the
household wants and exchanged for such things as the house-
wife needed. Flaxen yarn was quite commonly prepared for
market by such families as had an extra crop, and after the
Scotch emigrants, who excelled in spinning and weaving, set-
tled in Pelham, a lively competition sprang up in both the yarn
and cloth trade, [perhaps it would be hardly fair to say that

128

■there 'vs'as a jealousy of the foreigners] but it is believed that the
-Scotch women carried the day, both in fineness and evenness of
thread and cloth.

When the daughters of the first settlers were grown some
of them became adepts at spinning and made it a specialty.
-Theodora Scott, daughter of Benjamin, was a noted spinster,
both before and after her marriage with Stephen Orcutt. As a
matter partly of curiosity and partly characteristic of the time,
and showing how much 3'arn of dififerent kinds a young family
•needed in a year, and how much a woman could do with her
Avheel for the support of her family, A single year's account is
copied in full from Parson Wells' account book:

1781. Theodora Orcutt, Cr.

"Sept. By spinning 11 Runs at 7s 4d, 3 Runs at 7d /^o 9 i

Feb. II. By spinning 4 Runs for handkerchiefs, 02 4

Mar. 2. By spinning 8 Runs linen yarn at 7d 048

Mar. 2. By spinning 5 Runs tow yarn o 2 8

-Mar. 6. By spinning i Run fine tow yarn at 7.d o o -7

Mar. 13. By spinning 2 Runs woolen yarn, 014

Apr. 8. By spinning 13 Runs tow yarn " o 6 11

By spinning 14 Runs linen yam at 8d 094

-Apr. 29. By spinning 9,^2 Runs fine tow yarn at 8d 06 .4

May 13. By spinning 2 Runs thread for stockings at 8d o i ..4

By spinning 4 Runs fine tow yarn at 8d 028

B}' spinning 3 Runs coarse tow yarn at 4 old

tenor o i 7

By spinning 3 Runs coarse linen yam at 6d 016

June 19. By spinning 8 Runs fine yarn for lawn 080

By spinning 22 Runs coarse linen yam at 6d one

June 24. By spinning 2 Runs linen yarn at 8d 01 .4

July 5. By spinning 10 Runs tow yarn at 4 old tenor 054

9. By spinning 3^ Runs tow yarn at 4 old tenor o i 10

II. By spinning 10 Runs tow yam at 6d 05 o

.25. By spinning 3 Runs fine linen yarn at 8d 020

By spinning 2 Runs coar.se linen yarn at 6d 010

By spinning 2 Runs fine tow yam at 8d 014

31. By spinning i Run fine tow yarn at 8d 008

Aug. 24. By spinning 19 Runs coarse linen chain 096

•Sept. 1 1. By spinning 9 Runs coarse tow yarn

By spinning 2 Runs sent to Miss Graves o i i
By spinning 4 Runs tow sent to Miss Graves

8 Runs low 065

/ 5 4 10
1781. Theodora Orcutt, Dr.

Sept. 27. To 4 lbs 9 oz cheese at 5d ^o i 11

To cheese 2 lbs 13 oz— Do. i lb 14 oz at 4d o i 7

Sept.

27

Oct.

17-

Jan.

10.

Feb.

1 1 ,

Mar.

5-

April

: 2.

8.

8.

17.

xMay

4-

30.

J'ne"

12.

July

5.

-Aug.

2.

129

To one pound old tobacco at 5d £0 o 5

To 2;^4 lbs cheese at 5d — Do 6 lbs 14 oz at 4d o 3 4

To 3 lbs 9 oz salt pork at 8d 024

To r lb 13 oz cheese at 6d 00 10

Xo .'2 bushel of parsnips at 2 ore
To 2 lbs 5 oz tobacco at 4d,4 lbs 2 oz salt pork 034

To 9 lbs 10 oz salt pork o 5 9

To 4 lbs 3 oz rolled tobacco o i 5

8. To 7 lbs 10 oz salt pork, 2 lbs suet at 6d 061

To 6 lbs 9 oz flax 044

To 6 lbs fresh offal, beef, i bushel parsnips o 3 i
To 5 lbs 5 oz salt pork; 17th, 8/4 lbs do., 2

lbs sugar at 7d o 10 .2

To I lb I oz rolled tobacco, good o o .4

To I lb do., 4 Ibn 15 oz salt pork o 3 7

To 5 lbs 9 oz salt pork, 7 lbs cheese 064
To 5 lbs 10 oz salt pork at 8d, one cheese

4 lbs 9 oz 055

24. To 6 lbs 12 oz cheese, 7 lbs 10 oz salt pork 3 7 3
To 2 lbs sheep's wool at is 6d, i lb tow at 4d o 3 .4
To 4^:4! lbs salt pork, 4 lbs 10 oz cheese at 4d o 411

To 7 pounds 12 ounces flour at is 010

To i2s of Mr. Marsh, old way los o 10 o

To I bushel Indian corn 3s of Mr. Graves 030

23. To cash delivered your brother Elijah is id o i i

To I oz indigo of Dr. Chapin o o 10

To 6 shillings received of Martin Graves 060

To 2 bushels of rye of Mr. Adkins at 3s 060

£5 4 ro
A "run" of yarn consisted of twenty knots, a knot was
composed of forty threads and a thread was seventy-four inches
in length, or once round the reel. A "skein" of yarn consisted
of seven knots. An ordinary day's work was four skeins, when
the spinner carded her own wool ; when the wool was carded by
a machine, she could as easily spin six skeins in a day.

Dyes. Logwood and indigo were the common dj'es in use
early; later, madder was sometimes obtained. Cloth made of
lamb's wool and of the finer grades of sheep's wool, as well as
linsey-woolsey took a beautiful shade of color and was much
prized by the young ladies A red riding hood set off to good
advantage the plump face and natural tresses of the girls of that
day, as did also the white sunbonnet.

Many families did all their own tailoring and dressmaking.
Others employed some woman who had special taste and skill
in these arts, who would come to the house twice a year and in
a week or so cut and make, with the help of the inmates, the
supply for the season.

I30

The first professional weavers in town were Robert Aber-
crombie in 1779, Abijah Marsh in '82 and William Henderson
in '89, but they had to depend for a living in considerable part
on jobbing wnth the farmers. Perez Myrick, the clothier, was
here in 1796, Capt. Amos Pratt in 1800.

Values and Prices. At this date all values were reck-
oned in pounds, shillings and pence. A pound was equal to
three dollars, thirty-three and one-third cents, and prices were
estimated in currency instead of grain. There was, however,
the "cash price" and the "barter price," the latter one-third
higher than the former, and ordinary business was largely car-
ried on by exchange of produce and homemade manufactures
and labor. The wages of labor for an able-bodied man was
three shillings (50 cents) a day in haying time, and two shillings
for ordinary farm work. The common price of wheat was four
shillings per bushel ; rye, 3s; meslin, 3,s lod ; corn, 2s ; barley,
3s; malt, 2s 5d ; flax seed, 4s 6d ; turnips, 8d ; parsnips, 2s ;
good cheese, 5d per pound ; salt pork, 8d ; flax, 8d ; tow, 4d ;
sheep's wool, 6d ; hops, is ; indigo, lod per ounce.

Agriculture. The lands in the valley were found well
adapted to wheat and this, with peas and flax, was the first
crop raised on the intervals. When these became exhausted
wheat was raised on the newly cleared uplands. Peas were at
first a favorite and profitable crop, but the yield soon diminished,
or was kept up only by manuring, and the pea bug made its
appearance and the crop was neglected. After a while, beans
took the place of peas as an article of food, though not of traflSc.
Rye was not much raised till the wheat crop began to fail when
it became, and long continued to be, an important crop. Barley
was raised chiefly for the purpose of malting. Meslin, or mixt-
ling, which was a mixture of wheat and rye, was pretty generally
raised and used both for flour and malt. Indian com was,
however, the staple product of this as of all other parts of the
country.

The season opened in spring quite as early as at the present
day. Plowing began commonly the second or third week in
April. Peas, oats and rye were sowed by the middle of the
month, barley and flax by the first of May, and corn planting
frequently began by May 5th. This crop was hoed three times,
the hilling coming in July, as soon as the farmers had finished
gathering the first crop of English hay. The corn was picked
the last week in September and the first week in October.

131

The}' comtnenced to mow upland English grass the last of June,
and the meadows the second week in Jul\'. Roweu was cut the
last of August. Rye. wheat and'meslin were ready for harvest-
ing about the 25th of July, barley a week later, and oats still
later, though before August 15th. Peas were gathered the last
of August. Flax was commonly pulled the first week in August,
spread and turned in September and was ready to be taken up
for "breaking" the last of October.

Food. Early in winter ever>' family of considerable means
killed fatted hogs and later a cow, the tender parts of which
were used fresh and the balance dry-salted, or put in brine for
summer use. This salted meat was the basis of the "boiled
dish, ' ' which was the common dinner of the farmers. \"ery little
fresh meat was used in the warm season. Next in importance,
perhaps, came the boiled Indian pudding, which was regarded
an almost indispensable part of a good dinner. Many families
could say that they had as many puddings as there w^ere days in
the year. Indian was also commonly used for hasty puddings
and Johnny, or journey cakes and samp.

Josselyn, 1674, says of Indian corn : "It is light of diges-
tion, and the English make a kind of loblolly of it to eat with
milk, which they call sampe ; they beat it in a mortar, and sift
the flour out of it ; the remainder they call homminey, which
they put in a pot of two or three gallons, with water, and boil it
over a gentle fire till it is like a hasty-pudding ; they put this
into milk, and so eat it. Their bread, also, they make of the
homminey so boiled, and mix their flour with it, cast it into a
deep basin, in which they form the loaf, and then turn it out
upon the Peel, and presently put it in the oven before it spreads
abroad ; the flour make excellent puddens."

Milk and bread or hasty pudding and milk, was a common
breakfast and supper dish for children and old people. Pea
soup or porridge and stewed peas had not gone out of date,
though beans had largely taken their place. Baked beans, as
a regular weekly dish, came into use as early as this town was
first settled, though it was a dish unknown to our early English
ancestors.

The bread commonly used was made of rye or meslin flour,
and pie crust was sometimes made of this flour. Wheat flour was
used to a considerable extent especially among the well-to-do
farmers. Bolts to run b}' water power were set up in the mills
and some families had hand bolts. The flour was not so fine as

132

that now in use and, consequently, was much more healthful.
Cakes and pastry made of wheat flour were kept on hand for
"company" and for all extra occasions. Turnips were in uni--
Vcrsal esteem and use as an essential part of the "boiled dish."
By early sowing a summer vegetable was secured, and b}' sow-
ing a second crop to succeed barley, or on new land burned
over, they were tender and juic}' through the winter. Parsnips-
were more rare.

Pumpkins. Josselyn in his New England Rarities, pub-
lished in 1674, speaks of pumpkins, squashes and watermelons-
as grown by the Indians and also by the English. He mentions
a peculiar sort of round yellow squash which, when cooked and
prepared with butter, spice and vinegar, was "The ancient New
England standing dish." This is believed to refer to our
pumpkin. In his Wonder Working Providence, written 165T.
Johnson says, "Let no man make a jest of pumpkins, for with-
this fruit the Lord was pleased to feed his people till corn and
cattle were increased." Baked pumpkin and milk was a dish
much relished by many. The art of drying pumpkins seems- to ■
have been learned of the Indians. In spring and summer this
could be soaked and used for sauce as well as for pies. In those
early days "pumpkin parings" were as common in the fall as-
"apple parings" have been since, and made as merry an
evening.

Apples. A few apples were brought from Hatfield and
Hadley as a luxury, but they did not, of course, come into gen--
eral use till the trees had time to grow. The first orchards in
our limits were planted bj' Abraham Parker whose widow made
five barrels of cider in 1771, by Joseph Belding, who made that
year four barrels of cider, by Benjamin Scott, wlio made three
barrels, and Martin Graves, who made five barrels. Lieut.
Ebenezer Bardwell probably set an orchard where he first built
on the Deerfield road, and also another where, he built a mile
north of the meeting-house. Parson Wells set trees extensively
on his land in the center of the town soon after 1 77 1 . He began'
to sell cider and vinegar as earl}' as 1785. The price for apples-
was IS 6d per bushel, for vinegar, is 6d per gallon and for-
cider, 5s per barrel.

Potatoes. Potatoes were unknown to the first settlers of;
Whately as an article of food. Justin Morton stated to the
author, that "David Graves brought the first potata into town
in his saddle bags on his return from Boston about 1765." Het

added, "The boys loved to go over to the Straits and do chores
for Mr. Graves for he would give them a potato as pay and we
used to carry it home and plant it. I can remember when they
did not have any potatoes on the table for dinner."

"The culture of the potatoe, in this part of America, was
first introduced by the Scotch who settled Nutfield. now Lon-
donderry, N. H., in 1718-21." [Everett's Life ot Stark.

The same people settled Pelham, Mass., about 1740, and
started the cultivation of the potato there. It found its way
into Hadley before 1760. At first it was regarded by our peo-
ple as an unfit article of food, and the prejudice against it was
slow in giving way. Many of the older folks refused to taste it
till the day of their death. In some towns it was looked upon
as a sort of forbidden fruit. The Rev. Jonathan Hubbard of
Sheffield, who died in 1765, came near being dealt with by the
church for raising twenty bushels of potatoes in one year.
About 1780, potatoes are mentioned in Parson Well's account
book, sold in small quantities of from one-half to one and two
bushels, 'l^he price was is 6d per bushel.

Drinks. — Beer, made from malt and hops, was the com-
mon artificial drink used in families at the time Whately was
settled. Hops grew wild in many places, but most house-
holders had a few hills in their gardens, or beside the pigpen.
Malt was made of barley and meslin and a poor grade of winter
wheat mixed with chess. A small family would lay in eight
bushels of malt for a year's supply, while larger families would
lay in as many as fifteen bushels. There is no record of a malt-
house in Whately. The malting for our families was done by
Joshua Dickinson of Hatfield, and afterwards by Mr. Wilkie.
A strong ale was'sometimes made, but the beer for common use
was weaker, and was brewed in the summer time as often as
once a week. Flip was made from this weaker beer. Barley
coffee was considerably used as a breakfast drink — acorn coffee
occasionally. Tea and foreign coffee were rarities at the tables
of the common farmers. After apples became plenty, though
beer continued to be used, cider became the family drink. Milk
punch and flip were the favorite drams for home use, flip of the
tavern loungers, and the latter was sold by the mug. After
cider took the place of beer, cider brandy largely took the place
of flip.

Maple Sugar. The Indians appear to have learned the
art of making syrup from the sap of the maple. As soon as

134

they obtained kettles by barter with the whites they made sugar
in considerable quantities, though of an inferior quality. They
had manufactured it as early as 1750. It was made by the
Chestnut Plain settlers ever after they became established,
though at first in small quantities. Before the Revolution some
families depended on it for their year's supply and, in 1784 or
'85, it became to some extent an article of trade. The price at
first was 6d per pound.

Maple sugar was made by most of the farmers living in the
central and west parts of the town from a very early period. In
the east part of Whately the maple was the soft or white maple
and the sap flowing from this variety has but little saccharine
matter in it. Early in the history of Hatfield large quantities
of suoar were made on Mt. Esther, as well as other localities in
Whately.

The name of Easter is the way that old people called
Esther, and that hill is still more often spoken of as Easter than
any other way. It gets its name from some one of the Hatfield
dames who not only had a dairy house, but a sugar camp on
that natural home of the sugar maple*. It was fertile and pro-
duced a rich supph* of succulent food for the cows, and so the
cows were driven to Easter, and the dair}-ing was done near
where the cows procured their food. But who the Easter or
Esther was I do not know.

A dairy house was built by Salmon Dickinson, about 1745
to '50, on the lot owned by him adjoining a piece of woodland
in the White pasture. This was about forty rods west of Chest-
nut Plain road and the land is now owned by Robert Dickinson.
This was used in the spring for the making of maple sugar and
later in the season for dairy purposes. A daughter of Salmon
Dickinson, Mary, married Samuel Dickinson who built where
Samuel and Horace Dickinson lived so long, now owned by Rob-
ert Dickinson. I have heard of others, but only know cer-
tainly of one.

John Crafts built a dair\^ and sugarhouse on Easter about
the time of the siege of Boston. He bought a number of cows
with the view of taking them near to Boston and supplying the
soldiers with milk, but the evacuation of Boston by the British
and the removal of the army to near New York spoiled his plans,
so he built the dair}- and sugarhouse as mentioned above.
His sister, Martha, did the work there several summers and I
have often heard her relate many incidents of her life there.

135

Among them that the pigeons were so abundant that when she
fired a gun at them one' time, just as they flew up in a huddle,
she gathered up twenty-eight either dead or more or less
disabled.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE TOWN INCORPORATED.

Before the town of Whately was incorporated, the town
of Hatfield, at a meeting held 23 May, 1770, passed the follow-
ing vote :

"\'oted to set off the town or district to be made from the
north part of Hatfield, on petition of the northern inhabitants."

Then follows- the boundary' lines of the new town as given
in the act of incorporation. Recorded in Hampshire Registry,
book 67, pages 474-475-

From this it will be seen that the vote was taken nearly a
year before the incorporation, showing that the subject had
been agitated and the terms of the division agreed upon, includ-
ing the rather sharp operation of so carefully arranging the line
as to throw the expense of maintaining the bridge over the
west brook on Chestnut Plain road.

In this chapter it is proper to give in full the Act of Incor-
poration, as copied from the original parchment, and to insert
copies of letters, showing the origin of the name adopted, as
well as other official documents of permanent value and inter-
est. All these papers are copied from originals in the office of
the Secretary' of the Commonwealth.

Afino Reg7ii Regis Georgii Tertii Undecimo .

An Act for erecting the northerly part of the town of Hat-
field, in the County of Hampshire, into a town hy the name of
Whately.

Whereas the inhabitants of the northerly part of the town

137

of Hatfield, in the County of Hampshire, have made application
to this Court, that the northerly, part of said town may be incor-
porated into a distinct and separate Town,

Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and House of Rep-
resentatives,

That the northerly part of the said town of Hatfield, which
is contained within the lines and limits following, That is to say.
Beginning at the northeast corner of the General Field, there
called the North Meadow and Farms, thence in the north line of
the said General Field to the northwest corner thereof, from the
said northwest corner of that Field the said line to run in a direct
course to the southeast corner of tbeMill Swamp, which belongs
to Moses Dickinson, thence in the south line of the said Mill
Swamp to the southwest corner thereof, adjoining there to the
east sidfe of that way called the Chestnut Plain road, thence
south on the east side of the said way to a point where a line at
right angles with the east line of said way and one rod south of
the bridge there, called the West brook bridge would intersect
the aforesaid east line of the said way ; from the said point of
intersection to continue such right angular line as aforesaid to
the west side of the said way ; thence to the northeast corner of
the lot laid out to Samuel Kellog in the Third Division of Com-
mons; thence west in the north line of the said lot to a point
at which a line parallel to and half a mile distant from the
east line of the Three Mile x^dditional Grant, so called, would
intersect the said north line of the lot last mentioned ; thence
in such parallel line last mentioned to the District of Con-
way ; thence in the line dividing between Hatfield and the
town of Deerfield and District of Conway to the Connecticut
River; thence on the west side of the said River to the station
• first mentioned; be, and hereby is, erected into a separate
Town by the name of Whately : And that the inhabitants of
the said town be, and are hereby invested with all the powers,
privileges, and immunities that towns in this Province enjoy by
law, that of sending a Representative to the General Court only
excepted : And that the said town of Whately shall have full
right and liberty from time to time, to join with the town of
Hatfield in the choice of Representative, to be chosen of the
towns of Hatfield or the said town of Whately indifferently, to
represent them in the General Assembly : And that the said
town of Whately shall from time to time bear their proportion

138

of the expense of such Representatives with the said town of
Hatfield, accordinjj to their respective proportion of the Prov-
ince tax : And the freeholders and other inhabitants of the said
town of Whately shall be notified of the time and place of elec-
tion, by a warrant from the selectmen of Hatfield directed to the
constable or constables of the said town of Whately, requiring
such constable or constables to warn the freeholders and other
inhabitants of the said Whately qualified to vote in the choice
of a Representative, to meet at the time and place of election,
which warrant shall be returned by such constable or constables,
with certificate of his or their doings thereon, to the selectmen
of the town of Hatfield, before the time for holding every such
meeting.

Provided nevertheless, and be it enacted. That the inhabi-
tants of the said town of Whatel}' shall pa}' their proportion
of such Pro\'ince, County and Town Taxes as already set on
them by the town of Hatfield, in like manner as though this
Act had not been made ; and the constables chosen by the town
of Hatfield, at their annual meeting in March, anno domini one
thousand seven hundred and seventy, are hereby fully author-
ized and impowered to levy and collect all such taxes assessed
upon the inhabitants and lands in the said town of Whately, and
are directed to pay in the same in the same manner they would
and ought by law to have done, had not this Act been made.

Provided nevertheless, and be it further enacted, That
the treasurer of the town of Hatfield be, and he is hereby impow-
ered and directed to pay the town treasurer of the said town of
Whately, and for the use of the said town, such a proportion of
the sum of Thirty Pounds, which was raised by the town of
Hatfield at their meeting on the first Monday in December last,
for providing Preaching in the said town of Hatfield in the year
then next ensuing, as has been assessed upon the inhabitants
and lands within the limits of the said town of Whately, agree-
able to the List last taken by the assessors of Hatfield ; and the
treasurer of the said town of Whately is hereby fully authorized
and impowered to demand and receive of the treasurer of Hat-
field such proportion of the said Thirty Pounds as aforesaid.

And be it further enacted. That William Williams, Esq.,
be, and hereby is impowered and directed to issue his warrant
to some principal inhabitant of thesaid town of Whately, requir-
ing him to warn the inhabitants of the said Whately, qualified

U9

as hereinafter mentioned, to meet at some suitable time and
place in said town, to choose such officers as towns in this Prov-
ince are impowered and enjoined by law to choose in the month
of March annually, which they are hereby impowered to choose
at such meeting.

And be it further enacted, That the inhabitants of the said
town of ^V'hately, who in the last tax in the town of Hatfield
were rated one-half part so much for their Estates and Faculties
as for a single Poll, shall be allowed to vote in their first meet-
ing, and such other meetings as may be called in the said town
of Whately, until a valuation of Estates shall be made by assess-
ors there.

And be it further enacted. That no person happening to
reside or be within the limits of the said town of Whately, at
the end of the present session of this Court, who would not then
have become an inhabitant of Hatfield had not this Act been
made, shall become an inhabitant of the said town of Whately,
or have legal claim or right to any of the privileges of an inhab-
itant there, anything herein before contained to the contrary
notwithstanding.

And the said town of Whately shall be, and hereby is fully
impowered to proceed with all such persons residing there, who
at the end of the said present session of this Court, would not
have been inhabitants of Hatfield, in the same manner the town
of Hatfield then, or at any time before, might have proceeded
with them touching their removal. Consented to by the Gov-
ernor, April 24, [as appears from the Journal, not actually
signed till April 26], 1771.

Thomas Sanderson, Justin Morton and Ebenezer Barnard
asked consent of the town, i Dec, 1806, to be set off" to Whately,
giving the bounds. The town refused its consent. The peti-
tioners, failing in that, applied to the General Court and in Jan.,
1808, the Legislature ordered notice to be served on Deerfield and
Whately. Deerfield held a town meeting and chose a commit-
tee of three to oppose the petition. The petitioners sent another
petition, dated May 8, 1S09. Again Deerfield opposed it, and
again was an order of notice served on both towns. Deerfield
chose another committee of three of her most influential citizens
to oppose the annexation to Whately, but the state granted the
prayer of the exultant petitioners and, 5 March, 1816, the deed
was done, though bitterly opposed by Deerfield.

140

An Act to set off Thomas Sanderson and others from
Deerfield and annex them to Whately.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
in General Court assembled, and by authority of the same,
That from and after the passage of this Act, Thomas Sanderson,
Ebenezer Barnard and Justin Morton, with their polls and
estates, together with the lands and the inhabitants thereon,
within the limits hereafter described — that is to say, Beginning
at the southwest corner of Thomas Sanderson's land in the north
line of Whately, thence running northerly on a line parallel with
the original east line of Conway to the north line of Lot Num-
ber Sixteen in Long hill, west Division, so called, thence run-
ning eastwardly on the north line of said Lot No. i6 to the east
end of Justin Morton's land, thence southerly on the ea.st line
of Justin Morton's land, to the south line of William Tryon's
land, thence eastwardly on the south line of William Tr^-on's
land, to the east side of the County road leading from Deerfield
to Whately, thence southwardly on the east line of said County
road, to the north line of Whateh-, including all lands within
the said running line and the north line of Whately, be, and
they hereby are set off from the town of Deerfield, and annexed

to the town of Whately.

Passed 5 March, 18 10.

The sixteen Deerfield lots, contained in the section annexed
to W'hately in March, 1810, were as follows:

1 2 3/4 rods wide.
18 rods wide.

55^ rods wide.
19/^ rods wide.
21 rods wide.
12 rods wide.

4>^ rods wide.
15 rods wide.
19/4 rods wide.
19^ rods wide.
13^ rods wide.

9 rods wide.

6 rods wide.
15 rods wide.
1054 rods wide.
15 rods wide.

No.

I

Nathaniel Shurtliff,

No.

2

Samuel Hinsdale,

No.

3

Thomas Root,

No.

4

Joseph Selden,

No.

5

William Barnard,

No.

6

John Hinsdale,

No.

7

Thomas Selden,

No.

8

Thomas Allison,

No.

9

Joshua Catlin,

No.

10

Zacharia Field,

No.

II

Joseph Brown,

No.

12

Richard Weller,

No.

13

Thomas Hunt,

No.

14

David Belding,

No.

15

John Broughton,

No.

16

Benjamin Barrett,

216

The above lots are in what is known as Long hill division
and the names are those of the original proprietors, about 1700.

141

The Name of the Town. It is a singular fact that the
origin of the name, Whately, has been hitherto wholly un-
known. No tradition, or conjecture, has existed in relation to
it. The memory of p single individual, in 1848, furnished the
writer with the following hint : Mr. Oliver Graves (born 1761)
said, "I was ten years old when Mr. Salmon White came to our
house and read the warrant for the first town meeting. My
father asked him why it was called Whately ?" He answered,
"It is the name of a man." The inference from this incident,
as well as from the absence of any tradition, is, that the name
was not suggested by the inhabitants of the territory-. An ex-
amination of the records and files of the General Court for 1771,
renders it pretty certain that no petition for an Act of incorpo-
ration, signed by residents, was sent in. The wording of the
preamble seems to imply that there was no such petition "Have
made application to this Court," probably through Israel Wil-
liams, Esq., the representative from Hatfield for that year.
And the original draft of the Act of incorporation discloses the
singular fact, that the bill passed through its several read-
ings in the lower House, and received the concurrence of the
Council, with the name left in blank. The inference is, that
the name was not selected by the House of Representatives nor
by the Council. And further examination shows that the name
was not inserted on the parchment by the engrossing clerk, but
was inserted by the Governor, in his customary handwriting
when it was presented to him for his official signature. This
gives the clew to the man for whom the town received its name.

From letters preserved in the State Archives, it appears
that a gentleman by the name of Thomas Whately was at this
time connected with the British government ; that he took a
special interest in, and was thoroughly conversant with the
affairs of the Massachusetts Colony, and was an intimate friend
and trusted adviser of Governor Hutchinson. There is hardly
room for doubt that the Governor inserted the name W^hately in
the Act of incorporation, out of compliment to his London friend.

The letter above alluded to is here inserted, partly for its
historic value, as throwing.light on the British view of our polit-
ical affairs, and partly as a memorial of a man of whom nothing
has hitherto been known by us, and in whom every citizen of
the town must feel a personal interest :

London, nth February, 1769.

Sir: — I have deferred answering your favors of 17 October

142

and lo December till the consideration of American affairs was
over : I am sorry to say how little has been done ; I am afraid
no more is intended. I will therefore give you a full, tho' I
doubt not a satisfactory account of our proceedings, as I appre-
hend for ye winter.

The manner in which Mr. Danforth's petition was received
appears in the votes of 23 January. The manner in which it
had been obtained was known to ye Ministry-, and stated to the
House; but their great desire to admit some American petition
induced them to receive it, entering it only as a petition of indi-
viduals, not of the Council; to some, however, the implied
assertion of the Right, was an insuperable objection ; the Minis-
ters overlooked it, and yet the next day insisted on rejecting a
petition of Mr. Bollan, tho' perfectly innocent, and tho' because
it was so, Mr. Grenville with many more strongly pressed to
have it received.

These were all the material events previous to the consider-
ation of the Resolution and Address sent down by the Lords.
The Commons have agreed to them, with some amendments in
point of accuracy. I cannot pretend to state to you all that
passed in two days" debate upon them ; tho' inefficacy and the
locality of the plan proposed were much insisted on ; Lord
Rockinham's and Lord Shelburne's friends objected to the
whole ; Mr. Grenville, tho' he ridiculed and disapproved of such
plan for such a crisis as much as any body, and particularly
urged the absurdity of exasperating a deluded people with angn,'
words, while the Tameness of the measure would encourage
them, yet as the facts had been stated by the Lords, he would
not, by a negative to the Resolutions, give any reason to sup-
pose that he countenanced the transactions therein condemned:
nor, on the other hand, by assenting to the Address, shew any
approbation of a measures so inadequate to the occasion. You
will easily see what must have been suggested on these topics.
I wall not trouble you with arguments which so obviously occur,
but confine myself to what was said on the Statute of Henry the
Eighth. They who oppose the whole plan, generally not uni-
versally, disputed the application of the Act to the Colonies: it
was passed before they existed : the Title and the preamble pre-
vent such an application, unless upon admission that ye Colonies
are not within the King's dominions. Some doubted whether it
was an existing law, but that point was given up. Mr. Gren-
ville declared that he, upon the words of the preamble and title
had been inclined to think the Statute not applicable, and won-
dered the Ministers had not rather rested on the Statute of
Edward the Sixth, which was less doubtful ; but said that the
precedents and authorities cited by the Attorney General had
convinced him that the Act did extend to every part of the
King's dominions. Those authorities were many. InO'rooke's
Case, reported in Anderson, the twelve Judges were unanimously
of opinion that the Act extended to treasons committed in Ire-

143

land, tho' there is a separate parliament, and ever}' species of
Jurisdiction for constituting and trying any offences. Lord Hale
in many passages maintains that treasons committed in Ireland
and Guernsey and in the Remains of the Duchy of Normandy
are triable under that Statute in England : Even a Peer of Ire-
land, tho' amenable there only before the House of Lords, may
be and often has been tried here by a common Jury. At the
latter end of Oueen Anne's reign, one Kirbv was bro't from
Antigua to be tried on that statute here, for a treason commited
there. The proceeding was on an opinion of >rort'ney, Attorney
General, and Raymond. Solicitor General, and passed ye Coun-
cil, when Lord Chancellor Harcourt and Lord Chancellor J.
Parker, afterwards Lord Chancellor Macclesfield, were present ;
he was indicted and pleaded, as appears from ve Record of
King's Bench, but afterwards broke prison. Not one Lawyer in
the House supported a doctrine contrary to such authorities :
As I cite them from memory, you will pardon any little inaccu-
racies: In ye material points I am exact, and I thought you
would wish to be furnished with them as, after debate upon the
subject here, I conclude it will be a matter of controversy with
you.

I do not hear of any design to bring in a bill to explain or
amend ye Mutiny Act, though I have not been wanting to sig-
nify thro' proper channels ye difficulties which you have in-
formed me occur in ye execution of it : but perhaps they stay till
further experience has shown ye whole extent of what may be
necessary to alter. I fear all parliamentary proceedings rela-
tive to America are at an end for the present, and that this, with
the long letter I wrote you on the 14 Nov. is the whole history
of ye session. As to ye Ministerial measures, tho' when Parlia-
ment was called upon to approve of them ye Ministers were in
return called upon to declare, whether they meant to abide by
them, especially ye suspension of ye Assemblies, no answer
could be obtained, but there has not appeared the least idea of
withdrawing ye Troops from Boston, nor will the last Revenue
Law be repealed, or I believe altered, whilst the right to impose
duties is questioned. The opinion without doors on the claims
of the Colonies, and the behaviour of ye Bostonians seem to me
the same as they have been for some time past, and the concur-
rence of ye other Colonies in the Principles of Boston only con-
firm those opinions.

I have the honour to be, with great respect. Your most obe-
dient, humble serv.,

THOMAS WHATELV.

To The

Honorable Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson.

Since these pages were prepared for the press, the following
letter has been discovered among some old papers in the State
Department. It explains itself:

144

Boston, 14 May, 177 1.

Dr. Sik: — Permit me to congratulate you upon the honour
done you in your late appointment. It is what I have long
wished for, and I hope the junction of so many of Mr. Gren-
ville's friends will strengthen Go^•ernment and render the pres-
ent Administration of long continuance. A durable Ministry,
and a few examples in England of punishment for the seditious
principles and practices so prevalent there, would discourage
the disturbers of the peace here. They triumph when their cor-
respondents write that you are in danger of a great convulsion :
as soon as their hopes of it are over, they are depressed and
hide their heads.

Among the Acts passed in the late session of the Geiieral
Court, you will see one for incorporating a Township by the
name of Whately. This is but a poor mark of respect. I wish
it may be in my power to give you further proof of my being,
with very great regard and esteem.

Sir, Your most humble and most obedient servant,

T. HUTCHINSON.
Thomas Whately.

There is a natural desire to know who lived in Whately,
who owned houses here, and what were their pecuniar^' circum-
stances when the town first started. And as a full, accurate
and reliable account of the condition of affairs at this date, the
following List of the Polls and Estates of the inhabitants of the
Town is here subjoined. Though the month is not given, it was
e\ddently made out in May, 1771. It will be seen that some
early settlers are not included in the list. Lieut. Ebenezer
Bardwell was at this date a resident of Deerfield. Adonijah
Taylor and Gideon Dickinson were living north of the line, in
what was afterwards annexed to the town from Deerfield. Noah
Wells had probably removed, temporarily, to the Equivalent
Lands, afterwards Hawley. Joel Dickinson had removed to
Conway. Capt. Lucius Allis had removed to Conway.

H5

Polls and Estates, Whately,

Polls. 2^T'i'il5 Horses. Cows. O.xen.

Daniel Morton
Oliver Graves
David Graves
Elisha Belding
John Crafts
Joseph Crafts
Israel Graves
Simeon Wait
Henry Stiles
Oliver Morton
Benj. Smith, Jr.
Moses Crafts
Peter Train
Edward Brown
Abraham Turner
Benoni Crafts
Paul Belden
Ezra Turner
Hosea Curtis
Joseph Kellogg
Joseph Belding, Jr.
Nathaniel Sartle
Thomas Sanderson
Nathaniel Coleman
Abel Parker
Jonathan Smith
Elisha Frary
Lemuel Wells
John Wait
Joseph Scott
Seth Wait
Thomas Crafts
Philip Smith
David Scott
Noah Bardwell
Paul Smith
Nathan Graves
Wid. Lois Parker
John Wait, Jr.
Joshua Beldin

2
2

I77I.

Busliels No. acres
Grain. Tillage Land.

O

2

2
2

2

4

3 sheep
2
6

3
2

2

2
2

2
2

2

2

I

2

2

2

2
2
I
2

159

130

80

60

15
15

JO
2CO

64

85
48

45
26

24

35

24
16

12

13
12

II

3
3

r 1/

20

854

4

4

5

3
2

0

2

150

23

2

60

12

3

2

164

24

I

2

140

20

2

2

39

6

3

2

30

5

2

I

I

132

22

I

84

14

3

4

140

20

2

2

80

8

2

86

16

2

4

88

II

4

4

48

6

I

32

4

3

2

56

8

3

4

35

7

2

I

21

3

3

140

20

146

Benjamin Scott
Renj. Scott, Jr.
Elisha Smith
Martin Graves
Salmon White
Perez Bardwell
Samuel Carley
Benjamin Smith
Thomas Allen
William Kellog
John Graves
Elihu Graves
David Scott, Jr.

NON-RESIDENTS.

Elisha Allis
Nathaniel Hawkes

Polls

2
I
2
I
I
I
I

3
I

I

I

I

I

Hou

'"g Horses. Cows. Oxen. rr-nlf'Tn^o^'c; ''?''''%
ses. Grain. Tillaare Land.

'2
I
I
I
I
2

J

I

2
I

3
I

I

I
I
I

140

23

119

17

80

10

71

ID

88

I I

56

8

66

1 1

12

2

40

Acres Aovp^

Mowing ^

Daniel Morton 12 20

Oliver Graves 6 12

David Graves 3 5

Elisha Belding 2 4

John Crafts 10

Israel Graves 4 26

Simeon Wait 13 20

Henr>' Stiles 6 8

Oliver Morton 11 25 "

Benj. Smith, Jr. 9

Peter Train 6 20

Edward Brown 6 20

Abraham O^umer 16 4

Benoni Crafts 6 7

Paul Belding 6 12

Ezra Turner i i}^

Hosea Curtis 6

Jos. Belding, Jr. 10 10

Nathaniel Sartle 4^

Thos. Sanderson 9 3

Abel Parker 4 10

Acres

Acres
Moving I'-^--g^

Jona. Smith 6

Elisha Frary 7
Moses Frary

John Wait 7

Joseph Scott 2

Seth Wait 6

Thomas Crafts 9

Philip Smith 6

David Scott 18

Noah Bardwell 6

Paul Smith 3

Benj. Scott 7

Elisha Smith 3

Martin Graves 5

Salmon White 1 1

Perez Bardwell 20
John Graves
David Scott, Jr.

Nathan Graves 11
Wid. Lois Parker 6

Joshua Beldin 10

7
12

6

2

5
16

8

6

12

30
20

3

18

8

30
6

18

3
30

147

Acres ,

NON-RESID TS Enuli^b p;,,Vura-e
Mowins< '^-'•"'"o^

Acres
Engli.sh p,
Mowing

Acres
[isturage

Elisha Allis ' 20

60

Eliakim Field

14

Nathaniel Hawks

4

Medad Field

ID

Reuben Belden

8

Samuel Church

8

Gideon Dickinson

3/2

Noah Nash

30

Simeon Morton

12

Elijah Dickinson

16

Noah Coleman

30

Benj. Wait

8

Abner Dickinson

16

Jonathan Morton

II

Eleazer Frary

2

Moses Wait

4

Daniel Graves

I r

Israel Williams Esq.

30

Sam'l Dickinson 14

30

David Morton

16

Rem'br'ce Bard well

30

Oba. Dickinson

20

Eleazer Allis

3

Mary Smith

20

Elijah Morton

3

Joseph Smith

6

Joseph Billings

8

Elisha Wait

2

David Billings

8

Benj. Wait, Jr.

9

Jonathan Allis

28

Moses Frary

6

Four residents were not taxed, viz. : Rev. Rufus Wells,
Joseph Sanderson, Sr., Joseph Belden, Sr., Richard Chauncey.
Of the non-residents. Eleazer Frar>' had 6 acres of tillage land
and raised 48 bushels of grain; Daniel Graves had 5^2 acres
and 38 bushels; Obadiah Dickinson had 7 acres and 42 bushels;
Mary Smith had 10 acres and 90 bushels; Benjamin Wait, Jr.,
had 3 acres and 21 bushels. Edward Brown had a sawmill ;
Reuben Belden, a sawmill and gristmill; Paul Belden had a tan
house.

Summary.

Number of Polls, ratable 71

Number of Polls, not ratable 4

Number of dwelling houses 40

Number of tan houses i

Number of horses 45

Number of cows 99

Number of oxen 64

Number of sheep 375

Number of swine, over three months old 56

Number of bushels of grain raised 3495

Number of barrels of cider made 17

Number of tons of English hay 182^

Number of sawmills, 2 ; gristmills, i 3

Number of non-resident land owners 32

148

Though a little out of their proper places yet, for the sake
of ready comparison, the following certificate and assessors re-
turn are inserted here :

This may certify that the number of rtales from sixteen
years old and upwards in the town of Whately is one hundred
and six (106) white persons and two (2) negroes.

JOSEPH BELDING, ) Selectmen

JOHN SMITH,
OLIVER GRAVES,

of
) Whately.

Whately, Jan. 20, 177

/ ■

VALUATION OF ESTATES AND POLLS IN WHATELY, AS ESTAB-
LISHED BY THE GENERAL COURT, I786.

Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o
Number o

Polls, ratable

Polls, not ratable

dwelling houses

tan house

gristmill — Samuel Belden

sawmills

barns

young neat cattle

horses — 3 years old and upwards

oxen

cows — 3 years old and upwards

sheep

swine — over three months old

barrels of cider

acres of tillage land

acres of English mowing

acres of fresh meadow

acres of pasture land

acres of woodland

acres unimproved land

acres of unimprovable land

Stock in Trade

135

6

68

I

I

45

177

85
88

171
264
149
96
6i9>4
220
256
1608^
161

5325
953

£ 57

The first meeting for the election of town oflBcers was held
at the house of Daniel Morton, innholder, May 6, 1771. The
officers chosen were as follows: Salmon White, town clerk and
treasurer; Joseph Belding, Jr., and Henr}' Stiles, constables ;
John Wait, Simeon Wait, Edward Brown, Salmon White and
Philip Smith, selectmen; Edward Brown, Philip Smith and Sal-
mon White, assessors; Thomas Crafts, sealer of weights and

149

measures; Thomas Sanderson, sealer of leather; Peter Train,
Oliver Graves and Benj. Smith, surveyors of highways; Israel
Graves, Noah Bardwell and John Wait. Jr., fence viewers ; Benj.
Scott, Jr.. John Brown and Joseph Crafts, field drivers; Elisha
Belding and Noah Bardwell, tythingmen ; Benj. Smith, Perez
Bardwell and Abraham Turner, wardens; John Crafts, Martin
Graves and Elisha Frary, deer reeves : Thomas Crafts, surveyor
of shingles ; Peter Train, Gad Smith and Lemuel Wells, hog-
reeves.

The leading interests of the town will be treated in sepa-
rate chapters, but some votes, characteristic of the times, which
were passed at the earlier meetings, are here copied ;

Voted, To build a pound forty feet square.

Voted, That the Selectmen provide a Law book and a
Record book.

Voted, To provide a grave cloth for the use of the town.

Voted, That David Scott and Joseph Scott be a Committee
to provide two biers for the use of the town.

Voted, That hogs may run at large from May i to October
15, being properly j-oked and rung.

Voted, To let two milch cows to a family run on the
Commons.

It will be seen that the last section of the Act of Incorporation
provided that the town shall have full power "To proceed with"
persons "Touching their removal." This provision shows the
extreme care taken by our fathers to guard the rights and priv-
ileges of citizenship. They wanted in ever>' citizen moral
worth and habits of industry' and economy, and a purpose of
permanent settlement. Hence the custom prevailed generally
throughout the Province of "Warning out of town" all transient
persons, all who did not purchase real estate and all strangers
not vouched for by some inhabitant. And when a stranger
came into town to reside the person into whose family or tene-
ment he came was required to give notice to the Selectmen of
the name of the person or persons, the place from which he
came, his pecuniary- circumstances and the date of his coming
to town. The authorities would then, at their discretion, allow
him to remain or order him to be "Warned and cautioned as the
law directs." A person so warned was prevented from gaining
a settlement and the town escaped liability for his support. In
several instances this town availed itself of the right in question
as the following warrant will show :

i5C>

Hampshire, ss. To either of the constables of the town
of Whatelj-, in said county, Greeting: In the name of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to warn Sam-
uel Brass and Sabra Andross, transient persons, lately come into
this town for the purpose of abiding therein, not having the
town's consent therefor, that they depart the limits thereof with
their children and others under their care, within fifteemdays,
and make due return of your doings to the clerk of the town.

Signed by the Selectmen.

The names of others, "warned" at different times are:
Robert Durfy, Jonathan Bacon, John Lamson, Benjamin Bacon,
Jonathan Clark, Zebina Lyon, Enoch Bird, Noah Coleman,
William Brown, William Brown, Jr., EHsha Frary, Jr., Josiah
Brown, Nathaniel Coleman, Isaac Frar^^ Thomas Castwell.
Some of these became permanent residents and were among our
best citizens.

Rev. Rufus Wells.

CHAPTER IX.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.

In anticipation of a town organization steps had been taken
to secure regular Sabbath ordinances. In the February preced-
ing, David Scott, acting in behalf of the others, had engaged
Rufus Wells of Deerfield, to preach, and he had supplied
them from March 6 to April 28. The first entry in Mr. Wells'
account book gives the full history of this preliminary transac-
tion:

1771. David Scott Dr.

Mar. 6 to Apr. 28. To preaching to the people in
Whately eight Sabbaths, by your engagement,
on whom my demand is, and not ye said people ^8 o o

1771. Contra Cr.

April 29. By cash received of Mr. Brown
May 15. By cash received of Daniel Morton
May 17. By cash received of Elisha Frary
June 5. By cast received of yourself
July 9. By cash received of Joseph Belding, Jr.
Oct. 25. By cash received of Thomas Crafts
Dec. 23. By cash received of Peter Train
Jan. 22. By cash received of Benoni Crafts
Apr. 7. By cash received of Salmon White
June 22. By cash received of Elisha Belding
May and June. By yourself making plow, 6s —
Work hewing and framing my house to balance

/Sod
At a meeting held, probably by adjournment. May 9th,

/;o

6

0

0

6

0

0

5

0

2

5

0

0

13

0

0

6

0

0

5

4

0

5

0

0

6

0

0

4

0

2

t8

8

152

three days after the formal organization of the town, it was
voted. "To raise thirty pounds for preaching." June 4, 1771,
the town voted to hire Rufus Wells of Deerfield to preach
six weeks upon probation. Simeon Wait, John Wait and Philip
Smith were chosen a committee to engage him. The same
committee were instructed to provide a place for him to board
This committee attended to the duty and engaged board at Dan-
iel Morton's.

At the expiration of the six weeks' probation, the town
voted to give Mr. Wells a call to settle there in the Gospel min-
istry. The conditions offered were as follows: A "settle-
ment, " as it was termed, of one hundred and thirty-three pounds,
six shillings and eight pence ; a salary' of fifty-five pounds for
the first year; and to raise forty shillings yearly till it amount to
seventy-five pounds. It was also voted, that Mr. Wells be
allowed six pounds yearly tor wood, to take place at such lime
as he sets up housekeeping. The committee to make these pro-
posals to Mr. Wells were Nathan Graves, Daniel Morton and
Salmon White.

A pound as then reckoned was equal to three dollars, thirty-
three and a third cents. Hence the "settlement" would amount
to $450, and the full salary, including the allowance for wood,
to S270 per year. This sum sounds small compared with minis-
ters' salaries at the present day, but it is to be considered that
money is valuable according as it procures the necessaries of
life. Taking the price of wheat as a standard $270 then was
equal to about $360 now ; with the wages of labor for a standard,
which is probably more just, the $270 was equal to $550 at the
present time ; taking the price of land as the standard, $270 then
equal to $2,000 now.

The .settlement was paid in land, the town making over to
Mr. Wells the lot hnng east of the old parsonage, extending
from land of Calvin Wells on the north to land of J. P Dickin-
son on the south and containing nearlv sixtv acres.

After giving Mr. Wells a call (as above) the town, it
appears, applied to some of the neighboring ministers for advice
in the case and received an answer as follows :

Whereas the inhabitants of Whately have applied to us for
our advice respecting the settlement of Mr. Rufus Wells in the
work of the ministry' among them ; we hereby signify that we
well approve of their choice of the said Mr. Rufus Wells, and
do freely advise to his settlement in the ministry in said

^53

Whately ; provided no sufficient obstacle shall appear in the way
of his settlement there.

JOSEPH ASHLEY.

JONATHAN ASHLEY.

JOHN EMERSON.

August ye 2d, 1771.

Formation of a church. As preliminary- to the forma-
tion of the church, at a town meeting held 13 August. 1771, it
was voted "That Wednesday the 21st day of this August be
kept as a day of Fasting and Prayer by ye inhabitants of ye
town of Whately."

Voted, That Messrs. David Parsons of Amherst, Joseph
Ashley of Sunderland, Jonathan Ashley of Deerfield, Samuel
Hopkins of Hadley and John Emerson of Conway, V. D. M.,
be the persons to perform the ser\-ices of the day of Fasting.

August 21, 1771. On this day of Fasting and Prayer,
(writes Mr. Wells in his Church Records) there being present
on the occasion, Rev. Messrs. Parsons, Jona. Ashley, Hopkins
and Emerson, after the public services of the day were finished,
the members in full communion in Whately were embodied into
a church, being recommended by the church of Christ in Hat-
field, to which church by far the greatest part that were embod-
ied did belong, and had communed there in all the ordinances
of the Gospel.

The Certificate of recommendation, above alluded to, was
in the following words :

These may certify, that the within-mentioned persons are
members of the church of Christ in Hatfield, in regular stand-
ing ; and as such are recommended to be embodied in a church
state among themselves.

By vote of the, Ch. OBA. DICKINSON.

Hatfield, August 19, 177J.

One of the preliminar\' requisites for organizing and incor-
porating a town in the early days was the fact that an Orthodox
church had been formed and a learned minister procured, and
these statements were properly set forth in the petition to the
Great and General Court as an argument, or a fact, showing
the fitness of that locality to assume the municipal functions.
And Whately, desiring to be in the prevailing fashion, took
steps to secure regular Sabbath ser\'ices. For this purpose a

154

subscription paper was drawn up and signed by Edward Brown,

Daniel Morton, Sr., Elisha Frary, David Scott. Joseph Belden,

Jr., Thomas Crafts, Peter Train, Benoni Crafts, Capt. Salmon

White and Elisha Relding, giving in all /8, 6 March, 1771.

They employed Rufus Wells to preach for them. He was
a recent graduate from his theological studies, and he preached
for them six Sabbaths, to April 28th. The town was organized
and town officers elected 6 May, 177 1. At a meeting adjourned
from May 6th to May 9th, the town voted to raise thirty pounds
for preaching and, 4 June. 1771- the town voted to hire Rufus
Wells to preach six weeks on trial. At the end of the six weeks
the town voted, '"To give Mr. Rufus Wells a call to settle in the
Gospel ministry with us."

The conditions were a "settlement," as it was termed, of
^133, 6s and 8d, probably paid in land, and a salary of ^55 for
the first year, and to raise it 40s yearly until it amounted to
^75. It was also voted, "To allow him £6 more per annum
for wood, to take place at such time as he should set up house-
keeping." A pound was reckoned as equal to $3.33^/3. The
land was on the east side of Chestnut Plain St., and was com-
posed of lots 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28, in the second division of
Commons. He also had a lot on the west side of the road, in
the fourth division. The lots on the east side extended to the
Claverack road, one-half mile. It is evident that he commenced
preparation to build, as Dea. Sanderson, in 1772, charges him
with labor of himself and his two brothers, John and Asa, for
digging the cellar and a team for drawing stone for the cellar,
in all eighteen days, as per book of Dea. Thomas Sanderson.

The next thing done was the formation of a church. To
make this more impressive, the town held a meeting 13 August,
1771, when it was voted, "That Wednesday, the 21st of August,
be kept as a day of fasting and prayer by ye inhabitants of ye
town of Whately," and the town voted to invite five clergymen
from the neighboring towns to assist in the exercises of the day.
During the day, after the public services were over, the mem-
bers in full communion, as certified to by the clerk of the Hat-
field church, were embodied as a church.

The names of the members were as follows : David Graves,
Sr., Joseph Belden, Sr., Salmon White, Simeon Waite, John
Waite, Richard Chauncey, Nathan Graves, David Scott,
Thomas Crafts, Daniel Morton, Israel Graves, Sr., Benjamin
Smith, Philip Smith, Elisha Frary, Joshua Belden, Elisha Bel-

loo

ding, John Waite, Jr., David Graves, Jr., and Oliver Graves,
Sr. , nineteen in all. There also should be added the names of
the following ladies : Elizabeth Bardwell, wife of Lieut. Ebe-
neier; Elizabeth Belden, wife of Paul; Martha Waite, wife of
Dea. Simeon; Submit Scott, wife of David; Abigail Smith.
daughter of Elisha ; Eunice Graves, wife of Israel; Mary White,
wife of Capt. Salmon ; Ruth Belding, wife of Dea. Elisha; Man,'
Waite, wife of John, Sr. ; Abigail Crafts, wife of Benoni ; Lydia
Stiles, mother of Capt. Henry ; Ruth Stiles, wife of Capt.
Henry ; Sarah Smith, wife of Elisha ; Sarah Smith, daughter of
Elisha; Abigail Graves, wife of David, Sr. ; Jemima Scott, wife
of Benjamin, Sr. ; Abigail Scott, wife of Benjamin, Jr.; Anna
Belden, wife of Joshua ; Margaret Belden, wife of Joseph ; Sarah
Wells, wife of Thomasof Deerfield ; Eleanor Morton, (2) wife of
Daniel; Miriam Frary. wife of Lieut. Elisha; Elizabeth Chaun-
cey, wife of Richard; Abigail Smith, wife of Jonathan; Rebecca
Graves, wife of Dea. Oliver, twenty-five in all ; and George
Pratt, a slave to Mr. Chauncey. He died 18 Sept., 1794, aged
75 years.

The next step was the ordination of Mr. Wells. A council
of thirteen members was invited from neighboring towns. Capt.
Salmon White was agreed with to provide for and entertain the
council which probably convened at his house, some three-
fourths of a mile from the center, where the services of ordina-
tion were held. The council met and Mr. Wells was "Set apart
to the work of the ministry, being made an overseer of the
church, or flock of Christ, in Whately, by the laying on of the
hands of the Presbytery," 25 Sept., 1771. The services were
held under the shade of two large oak trees standing on the
west side of Chestnut Plain St.. just south of the present resi-
dence of C. R. Chaffee. A stage was built for the ministers and
the congregation was seated in front on temporary seats. This
was a proud day for our young town and, doubtless, for the
young minister now empow^ered to perform all the acts custo-
mary for the ministerial order.

The halfway membership then prevailed of admitting per-
sons of fair character to the church far enough to have their
children baptized, but were not allowed to partake of the em-
blems of Christ's body and blood until they became members in
full communion by confessing Christ or, as they expressed it,
"Persons to come to full communion shall be of competent
knowledge, in the opinion of the pastor; that they publicly pro-

156

fess their faith and consent to the church covenant." This con-
tinued until 1 8 March, iSi6. Brother Joel Waite (a rumseller,
by the 'way) stated that it was a matter of grief and an offence
to hijn that this church admitted persons to the privilege of bap-
tism for their children by consenting to the covenant, and yet
neglected to attend upon the sacrament of the Lord's supper,
when he conceived that this practice was not countenanced by
the word of God. After due consideration the question was put
and the heretofore practice wis condemned by a unanimous
vote. Then the pastor closed the meeting with solemn prayer.

To go back now to the early days when was commenced
the effort to build a church or meeting-house. And now we will
allow Mr. Temple to tell the story. Of course, he has to omit
much of the strife, the wrangling and the heartburnings of this
people, of which I have heard so much.

The Meeting-house. At the time of the organization of
the church and settlement of Rev. Mr. Wells no meeting-house
had been built. The people first met for religious worship in
the dwelling house of Oliver Morton. The meetings were held
here for perhaps two years. December 2, 1771, the town voted,
"To allow Oliver Morton three pounds for his house to meet in
for the term of one year." March 6, 1774. voted, "To pay Mr.
Morton one pound, ten shillings for the use of his house six
months." Meetings for public vi'orship were also held for a
time, perhaps a year, at the house of Rev. Mr. Wells, the town,
as compensation, agreeing to assist him in finishing his house.

December 2, 1771, a vote was passed, "To make provision
for a meeting-house." A committee, consisting of David Scott,
Thomas Crafts, Joseph Belding, Jr., Noah Bardwell and David
Graves, Jr., was appointed at the same time to carry out the
above vote. At a meeting a few weeks later the town instructed
the above committee to provide four thousand feet of pine boards,
clapboards, window frames and sash and timber suflBcient for
said meeting-house. The timber was cut wherever it could be
easiest procured. The boards and joists were sawed at the
mill of Adonijah Taylor, where Silas Sanderson's mills are now
located.

The next spring (March 30, 1772,) the town voted, "To
provide shingles this present year for the meeting house." These
were purchased at about ten shillings per thousand. In the fall
of this year (October 5, 1772,) it was voted, "That the meeting-
house be set up next spring. ' ' It was also voted at the same time
"That the meeting-house be placed in the Chestnut Plain street

157

(so called) at the most convenient place between the dwelling
house of Oliver Morton and that of Rufus Wells, V. D. M., in
Whately.'"' Salmon White, Edward Brown, Oliver Graves,
Joseph Belding, Jr., and David Scott were chosen building
committee. The spot they selected was where the meeting-
house of the First Parish stood. At the same meeting it was
voted to raise eighty pounds to build said meeting-house, the
money to be levied by tax on the ratable polls and property of
the inhabitants. At a town meeting, held, a few months later,
it was voted, "To build one porch to the meeting-house," but
the vote was never carried into effect.

During the winter of 1772-73 the timber and materials were .
collected and at a meeting, held roMay, 1773, the town granted
additional money and voted that David Scott be master work-
man to frame the house. In the course of the two following
months the house was framed, raised and partially covered. At
a town meeting held 8 July, 1773, it was voted, "To raise forty
pounds to go on and finish the meeting-house." The "finish"
then put on, however, was not of the highest order, as will be
seen in the particular description which follows: On the outside
the roof was well shingled, though it had no steeple or tower ;
the sides and ends were covered with rough boards, chamfered
together. The windows in the lower story were pretty fully
glazed; those in the upper stor>" were boarded up. There were
three doors to the house, one each on the north, east and south
sides — that on the east side being reckoned the front door.
These were made of rough boards and not very tightly fitted.
Thus uniform was the covering upon the outside. The inside
had no "finish" at all except a ground floor. The sides were
destitute of both plastering and laths, and the frame work of the
galleries, the beams, girths and rafters were all naked. A rough
board pulpit, raised a few feet, was placed in the center of the
west side. Directly in front of the pulpit, a carpenter's work-
bench was left. The seat which was placed before this bench
was claimed by the old ladies, that they might hear better, and
have a support for the back. The seats were nothing more than
low slab forms ; these were arranged without much regard to
order, and were free to all. After some years Mr. Wells nailed
up a couple of boards on the left of the pulpit, for the better
accommodation of his wife; and a sort of pew or bench, with a
back fixed to it. capable of seating six or eight persons, was fit-
ted up by a few of the young men, on the east side near the
door.

158

The house remained in this state twenty-four or twenty-
five years. During this time it was hardly more respectable
in appearance or more comfortable than an ordinary single
boarded barn. In those days no stoves or fireplaces were found
in the meeting-house. The men kept their feet warm by thump-
ing them together ; the women carried foot stoves filled with
coals from the hearth at home. Families who lived at a dis-
tance hired a "noon room" somewhere in the village where they
could eat their lunch, get warm and fill their foot stoves with
fresh coals. An article was once inserted in the town warrant,
"To see if the town will grant leave to people that live at a dis-
tance from meeting, to build a fire in the schoolhouse on Sab-
bath noons." Passed in the negative.

It is quite probable that some of his good friends were
accustomed to make the pastor's kitchen their noon room, and
that the genial fire and genial fare were the cause of a little tar-
diness in reaching the sanctuary for the afternoon service.
Otherwise it is not eas\' to account for the following vote of the
town: \'oted, "That the intermission on Sunda}' be one hour,
and that the selectmen be a committee to inform the pastor when
to begin the exercises and to be punctual."

In winter drifting snows found easv entrance, and in sum-
mer the swallows, in great numbers, were accustomed to fly in
and build their mud nests on the plates and rafters. On the
Sabbath these social little intruders, twittering as merrily as
ever, seemed entirely regardless of the people below ; plainly
having it for their maxim to mind their own business, however
much the minds and eyes of those below might be attracted to
themselves. It is said that during the few months of their
annual stay Mr. Wells seldom or never exchanged with his
brethren of other towns, giving as a reason, that he feared the
swallows, to which habit had *familiarized hira, would be too
great an annoyance to strangers. He could say with the Psalm-
ist. "The sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest
for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O
Lord of Hosts."

There were two reasons which prevented the further com-
pletion of the meeting-house. The first was the war of the Rev-
olution, which broke out soon after the town was incorporated.
This for some years absorbed the chief attention of the com-
munity, and the taxes levied to support it drained the people of
money. O^he other leason was a division of sentiment about the

159

location of tlie house. x\ part demanded that it should be
moved half a mile to the southwest, to a spot south of "Spruce
Hill," (in the lot owned in 1S49 by the Rev. John Ferguson)
and a majority insisted that it should remain on the old spot.
Many votes were passed and afterwards reconsidered. Many
expedients were devised by both parties. Numerous commit-
tees, both of the town's people and disinterested men from
abroad, were appointed on this question with various results.
At the town meeting in March. 17S8, a vote was passed and
insisted, "To raise seventy pounds to repair the meeting-house."
This led to the drawing up of the following "protest." which
was presented to the town at a meeting in April :

"We, the subscribers, the people of the westerly part of the
town of Whately. whose names are under written, do enter a
protest to this meeting, 10 April. ijSM, against the proceedings
of the other parts of the town, that is, in finishing up the
meeting-house in the place where it now stands. For we have
been to the cost of having a committee to determine where the
just spot for the meeting-house to stand is, who determined in
the centre of the town, and there we are willing to finish it up,
and nowhere else.

"John Smith, Elisha Frary, Phineas Frary, Elihu Waite,
Simeon Morton. Edward Brown, Joel Waite, Reuben Graves.
John Brown. Moses .Munson, John Starks, Bernice Snow.
Isaiah Brown. Reuben Taylor, Asa Sanderson. Xoah Bardwell."

This protest not being heeded, the signers and others with-
drew and formed a new society. They afterwards erected a
meeting-house on the Poplar Hill road. This was the origin of
the Baptist society of Whately.

The feelings engendered by this long and, at times, bitter
controversy about the location of the meeting-house were not at
once subdued. Those who attached themselves to the new
organization" and paid the expenses incidental to maintaining
separate ordinances, claimed that they ought to be released from
liability to pay theirproportion of the expenses of the old church.
The law was against them, and the majority ot the town
was against them, and for a series of years they bore
the double burden. But in 1794 the town voted, "That the
treasurer pay to all such persons their ministerial rates, as shall
procure proper certificates of their attending on other teachers,
and shall profess to differ in sentiment from those Christians
called Congregationalls."

i6o

Although the town voted at this date to raise money to
repair the meeting-house it does not appear that any funds were
actually expended for this purpose till 1797. The seventy
pounds was paid to Mr. Wells for arrearages of his salary.
Various moneys were raised in different years for repairs, and
then otherwise expended.

The town voted, 5 December, 1796, "To raise three hundred
pounds for repairing the meeting-house," and appointed a com-
mittee to carry out the vote. In January following, twenty
pounds additional was granted, and in the spring the work was
commenced. In the course of the year 1797 the house was
thoroughly repaired

The outside was clapboarded and painted, the vacant win-
dows of the upper story, which had afforded access to the swal-
lows for so many years, were glazed and paneled doors were put
in. The inside was also "finished," galleries put up and pews
built. The pews were square, enclosed with paneled work,
according to the fashion of the times. The pulpit, situated as
before, was a plain structure, very high, square corners and pro-
jecting center, with a hexagonal sounding-board suspended
above.

No formal consecration of the house appears to have been
made at its first opening in 1773. But now that it had been
made more seemly a day was specially set apart and it was
solemnly dedicated to God.

Seating the Meeting-House. At the town meeting,
held Dec. 4, 1797, it was voted not to sell the pews and, instead,
a committee of nine persons was chosen, "To seat the meeting-
house," i. e.. to assign to each family the particular pew they
were to occupy for a year or longer as the case might be. The
principle of "seating," at first adopted, is not known. The
practice prevailed in some years of seating by age and some-
times by property. At a town meeting, held 19 May, 1800, it
was voted, "That in seating people, one year in the age of a
person shall be reckoned equal to one dollar on the list."

This custom, which prevailed for upwards of twenty years,
was the occasion of much strife and many jealousies and heart-
burnings. Individuals and families, disliking their seat mates,
would sometimes absent themselves entirely from meeting, and,
in one instance, an individual made an appeal to the town at a
regular meeting of the inhabitants, and a vote was passed assign-
ing him a given pew. The pews and internal fixtures erected
at this time remained in the same state and fashion till 1843.

l6£

In the spring of 1819 the town voted, "To sell the pews in
the. meeting-house," and in this and the following years, a large
number of them were sold. Of the avails of this sale of pews, a
steeple was built upon the south end of the house and a bell
purchased. This was done in 1821-22. The people now for
the first time heard the sound of the "church-going bell.

In the earh' days of the town, perhaps till 1795, it was custo-
mary to call the people together on the Sabbath, by blowing a
conch. (In 1795. it was voted. "That the town will not improve
anybody to blow the conch as a signal for meeting." The iden-
tical shell is now in possession of Porter Wells.) It was blown
once an hour before the time of service, and again as the minis-
ter was approaching the house. From 1795 to 1822 no public
signal was given, the people assembling at their pleasure.

In 1843 the meeting-house was entirely remodeled, but the
original frame erected by Master Scott in 1773, being found per-
fectly sound, was left unaltered.

After the reunion of the First and Second parishes this
house was sold and taken down (1867) and the united congre-
gation removed to the house built by the Second parish, stand-
ing just south of the old parsonage.

Statistics. The original number who subscribed and
assented to the covenant of the church was forty-three. The
number of person admitted to full membership during Rev. Mr.
Wells' pastorate, i. e., up to 1822,- was, according to the church
records, 374. But as many who were received to "covenant
privileges" were accustomed to partake of the sacrament some
names were unintentionally omitted from the records, and the
actual number in communion is believed to be 488. The total
number of members received to church fellowship, from 177 1 to
187 1 is 740.

Rev. Mr. Wells. In accordance with the customs of the
times Mr. Wells managed the affairs of a large and productive
farm in connection with his ministerial duties. He was emi-
nently successful in both callings. His accounts, often quoted
from in these pages, filled a large sized folio of 285 pages. He
also acted as conveyancer and counselor in drawing up con-
tracts, filling deeds and writing wills. His charge for drawing
up a lease or writing a will, was one shilling ; for drawing up a
bond, two shillings. After the death of his first wife, in 1796,
to whom he was tenderly attached, he suffered for a time from
mental depression which amounted to partial insanity. While

■ l62

he was in this state, by advice of the Association a day of fast-
ing and prayer was appointed by the church, as it appears, with-
out consulting the pastor. It was arranged that Rev. Mr. Tay-
lor of Deerfield should preach in the morning, and Rev. Hr.
Porter of Ashfield in the afternoon. Mr. Taylor prepared a ser-
mon on the subject of mental derangement not expecting that
Mr. Wells would attend the meeting. But just before the ser-
mon was to commence, he entered the meeting-house and took
a seat. The preacher \^ as a good deal disconcerted and begged
of Mr. Porter to preach in his stead. But the latter declined
and insisted that Mr. Ta\lor should preach the sermon which he
had prepared. It proved to be a wise arrangement. Before
this Mr. Wells had not realized his mental condition, but
thought that his friends treated him strangely and acted like
enemies. Towards the close of the afternoon service, which he
also attended, while pondering the question why his friends had
thus treated him, he was led to the conclusion that something
was wrong in himself, that he was in fact deranged. A reac-
tion at once began and his mind recovered its former tone and
strength.

Mr. Wells continued to discharge in full the duties of pas-
tor till 1S22, a period of fifty years, when the infirmities of age,
then apparently about to break down his constitution, induced
him and the people to seek a colleague. At the same time he
consented to a reduction of one hundred dollars from his 3'early
salary. After this date, however, he recovered in a measure
his strength and would occasionalh* exercise the functions of
his office till near the time of his death.

His last (recorded) public act was the marriage of his
granddaughter, Miss Sarah Wells, to Silas Rice 8 November,
1 83 1. The entry of this in the church record in his own hand,
now tremulous and uncertain, forms a striking contrast to the
plain, bold penmanship of his earh- prime. He died 8 November,
1834., in the ninety-second year of his age. The sermon at
his funeral was preached by Rev. Nathan Perkins of Amherst,
who was then the oldest survivor of Mr. Wells' particular
associates.

It would be foreign to my purpose to give an extended
analysis of the character of Rev. Mr. Wells. Let it suffice to
say that he was a man of undoubted piet}', his sermons were
largely scriptural and practical, rather than doctrinal ; he rebuked
and exhorted with all his long-suffering and gentleness. As a

i63

preacher he held a respectable rank among his coteniporaries,
as a pastor he was pre-eminently a peace-maker, as a man he
was verv' affable and of good social qualities. He made no ene-
mies and was kind and faithful to his friends.

In the course of his ministry Mr. Wells married three hun-
dred and five couples and administered baptism to nine hundred
and fifty-six persons. He wrote about three thousand sermons,
a few of which were printed. His last sermon, written probably
with no idea that it would be the last, was on Heb. iv. 9:
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."

But to return to the thread of our narrative. At a town
meeting held 21 December, 1S21, Capt. Salmon Graves, moder-
ator, it was voted, "To give Mr. Lemuel P. Bates (of South-
ampton) a call to settle in the gospel ministry as colleague pas-
tor with the Rev. Rufus Wells. Voted, "To give Mr. Bates
three hundred and fifty dollars salary per year, during Mr.
Wells' natural life and four hundred fifty dollars per year dur-
ing his ministry with us after the decease of Mr. Wells."

Voted, "To give Mr. Bates five hundred dollars settlement
to be paid in three annual instalments, and if he leaves us before
the three years are expired he draws only in proportion to the
time he preaches with us."

Voted, "That Mr. Bates have the privilege of being dis-
missed, by giving the town one year's notice, and the town have
the privilege of dismissing Mr. Bates by giving him one year's
notice, provided either party holds that mind during the year."

This last vote was the occasion of some distrust on the part
of the ordaining council. Dr. Lyman of Hatfield warmly pro-
tested against the conditions therein implied, and it was not till
the parties concerned declared it was their understanding, "That
Mr. Bates could not be dismissed without the advice of an eccle-
siastical council," that the council consented to proceed to the
examination of the candidate.

Mr. Bates was ordained 13 February, 1S22. The order of
exercises was as follows: Introductory prayer, Rev. James
Ta^'lor of Sunderland; sermon, Rev. Zephaniah Swift Moore.
D. D., president of Amherst college; consecrating prayer, Rev.
Dr. Lyman of Hatfield; charge to the pastor. Rev. John Emer-
son of Conway ; right hand of fellowship, Rev. Wm. B. Sprague
of West Springfield; charge to the people, Rev. Henry Lord of
Williamsburg; concluding prayer, Rev. Vinson Gould of South-
ampton.

164

It is a somewhat remarkable fact that one of the above
council, Rev. John Emeison of Conway, was a member of the
council which ordained Rev. Mr. Wells, the first pastor of the
church fifty j'ears before.

By the terms of his settlement ^Ir. Rates could claim but
three hundred and fifty dollars annual salary, as the senior pas-
tor was still living. But in 1828, '29 and '32 the parish
(which was organized separate from the town 30 April, 1828,)
granted him one hundred dollars additional. He held the office
of pastor for the term of ten 3-ears and was disniissed 17 October,
1832.

After the dismission of Rev. L. P. Bates the church
remained destitute of a pastor for four years. The pulpit was
regularly supplied the while by various ministers and candidates,
among whom were Rev. Messrs. Packard of Shelburne and Rev,
John Eastman.

The third pa.stor was Rev. John Ferguson of Dunse, Ber-
wickshire, Scotland, previously settled in Attleboro. The
terms of his settlement were five hundred dollars annual salar\',
wath the condition, "That the existing connection may be dis-
solved at the pleasure of either part}' by an ecclesiastical coun-
cil." He was installed 16 March, 1836, the sermon being
preached by Rev. John Todd of Pittsfield. Mr. Ferguson was
dismissed 17 June, 1840.

The church now continued without a settled ministry five
years. The pulpit was supplied during the interim by Rev.
Moses Chase, Rev. Sumner Lincoln, Mr. Porter H. Snow, Mr.
John W. Salter and the faculty of Amherst college. Mr. Salter
was invited to settle 17 February, 1843. Mr. Snow was invited
10 April, 1845, but both declined.

The fourth pastor was Rev. J. H. Temple of Framingham,
who was ordained 30 September, 1845, the Rev. Joel Hawses,
D. D. of Hartford, Conn., preaching the sermon. The terms of
his settlement were "Five hundred dollars a year as a salary as
long as he is our minister, with liberty to take a vacation of
three Sabbaths a year; that when either party becomes dis-
satisfied, one month's notice shall be given, and this contract
shall end and the connection be dissolved in the usual way."
Mr. Temple was dismissed 24 March, 1852.

The fifth pastor was Rev. Charles N . Seymour of Hartford,
Conn., who was installed g March, 1853. The sermon was
preached by Rev. Nahum Gale, professor in the Theological

1 65

seminar}' at East Windsor Hil], Conn. He was dismissed 27
April, 1S59.

The sixth pastor was Rev. John \V. Lane of' South New-
market. N. K.. who was ordained 17 October, i860. Professor
Austin Phelps, D. D.. of .Andover Theological seminary preached
the sermon, and W. A. Stearns, D. D.. president of Amherst
college, made the ordaining prayer. Mr. Lane's salary was
fixed at eiglit hundred dollars a year. In the century- since its
orgmization the church has had a settled pastorate for eighty-
nine \-ears.

Communion' Furniture. The two flagons and the two
tankards were purclaased in [797 from funds bequeathed to
the church by Deacon Obadiah Dickinson of Hatfield. The two
silver cups and four tumblers were presented to the church in
1822 by Messrs. Francis, Reuben and Aaron Belden. The sil-
ver baptismal basin was presented by Miss Judith White. In
1865 two silver plated plates were purchased.

Singing. Choristers, "To set the psalms in meeting,"
were chosen by the church till 1821 when they were elected by
the choir. The persons first chosen by the church, 16 Oct.,
1771, were: John Waite, Jr., John Graves and Elihu Graves.
Those chosen by the choir in 1S21 were R. B. Harwood and
Luther Warner.

In 179S the town voted, "Twenty dollars to revive singing
in the town : That four pounds of it be laid out in the east part
of the town for the above purpose, and forty shillings be laid
out in the west part to support a ciphering school or a singing
school, as the inhabitants of that part shall decide, both schools
to be free for all parts of the town and be under the direction of
the selectmen."

Sabbath School. It is believed that the first eflfort to
gather children into classes on the Sabbath for religious instruc-
tion in Whately was made by Misses Chloe Adkins and Ruth
Dickinson. This was probably in the year 1820. The children
learned verses of Scripture and hymns of their own selection.
Mr. Wells was accustomed to go into the centre school on Sat-
urday to see if the children had selected and committed to mem-
ory the lesson for the next day. Xo regular school was organ-
ized till after the settlement of Mr. Bates — perhaps not till 1826.

The early teachers, besides the two already named, were
Lucinda Bates, Ann Edwards, Harriet Frary, Lydia Allis, Dea.

i66

James Smith, Dea. Justus White, Spencer Bardwell. Luther
Warner, John White. One of the deacons was probably the
first superintendent. For a number of years after its organiza-
tion the school drew in most of the children and many of the
older church members, who formed adult classes for the study
of the Bible.

Clergymen who Originated in Whately.

Alvan Sanderson, bom 13 December, 17S0, sun of Thomas
and Lucy Sanderson; graduated at Williams college 1802; stud-
ied theology with Rev. Dr. Hvde of Lee and Rev. Dr. Lvman
of Hatfield : licensed by Berkshire association 17 October, 1804 ;
ordained an evangelist at Westhampton 4 Feb., 1807, (sermon
bv Rev. Rufus Wells) ; installed colleague with Rev. Nehemiah
Porter, Ashfield, 22 June, 1808, died 22 June, 1S17.

Pomeroy Belden, born 15 March, 1811, son of Aaron and
Sarah Belden; graduated at Amherst college in 1833; Andover
Theological seminary 1836 ; ordained an evangelist at Warwick
8 August, 1837; preached as stated supply at Deerfield from
1837 to 1842 ; installed in Amherst, East Parish, 14 September.
1842 ; died 2 March, 1849.

Alonzo Sanderson, born 24 June, 1808, son of Joseph and
Content Sanderson ; graduated at Amherst college in 1834; An-
dover Theological seminary in 1837; ordained at Ludlow in
January 1839; installed at Tolland 12 July, 1843; installed at
Wellington, Ohio, i March, 1S54. Mr. Sanderson was born in
Bernardston, but regarded Whately as his ancestral home.

William Bardw^ll, born 13 October, 18 13, son of Orange and
Euphame t'.ardw^ell ; studied at Wesley an university. Middle-
town, Conn.; ordained by Methodist conference May, 1846;
died at Northampton 1851.

Perez Chapin, born 29 April, 1783, so;i of Perez (M. D.)
and Elizabeth Chapin; graduated at Middlebury college 1808;
studied theology with Rev. Abijah Wines, Newport, N. H. ;
licensed in Cornish, N. H., March, 1810; ordained at Pownal,
Me., 20 March, iSii ; died 27 January, 1839. He was a "Model
of a minister of Jesus Christ."

Lucius W. Chapman, born 7 January, 1820, son of Isaac
and Hannah Chapman ; studied at Shelburne Falls academy ;
licensed in Westmoreland county. Pa., 5 February, 1842, and
ordained as a Baptist minister in Jefferson county, Pa., 14 Octo-
ber, 1842 ; became a Presbyterian and was installed pastor of

167

the Presbyterian church at Lycoming Centre, November, 1849:
residence in 1S54 Munroetown, Pa.

Rufus Porter Wells, born 4. February, 1818, son of Thomas
and Mary Wells; graduated at Amherst college in 1842 ; gradu-
ated at Union Theological seminary, New York, 1845 ; licensed
by Third Presbyter}' of New York iS April, 1S45 : ordained an
evangelist in Jonesboro, E. Tenn., by the Holston Presbytery
26 September, 1S46; installed at Jonesboro 17 August, 1850.
When the civil war broke out in 1861 Mr. Wells declined to
pray for the success of the new confederacy and lost the sympa-
thy of a large portion of his church ; and rather than suffer con-
fiscation and imprisonment with other Union men, after long and
perplexing delays and a journey with his family to Richmond
and back, he procured a pass and went through the lines by way
of Murfreesboro, Lebanon and Gallatin, Tenn., crossing the
Cumberland river in a canoe 27 November, 1862. He preached
to the United • Presbyterian and Congregational churches of
Prairie du Sac, Wis., till March, 1864, then one year to the
Second Presbyterian church of Thorntown and the Bethel Pres-
byterian" church of Boone county, Ind. He spent the year 1S65
in labors with the Second Presbyterian church of Kuoxville,
Tenn. In April, 1S66, he commenced gathering a Congrega-
tional church at Gilbertsville in the town of Hardwick. The
church was organized 7 March, 1867, with thirty-eight members
and increased to fifty-three. He left Gilbertsville'December.
1868 ; was installed pastor of the Congregational church at
Southampton 5 January, 1S69.

George R. Ferguson, born in Attleboro 19 March, 1829,
son of Rev. John and Margaret S. Ferguson ; graduated at Am-
herst college 1849; studied at Andover Theological seminary-
1858-59; licensed by Franklin County association July 1858;
acting pastor at Northeast, Dutchess county, N. Y., for many
years.

Horace B. Chapin, who was installed colleague with Rev.
Enoch Hale of Westhampton 8 July, 1829, dismissed i May,
1837; installed at Danville, Me.. 24 July. 1839, was son of Dr.
Perez and Elizabeth Chapin of Whately, but was born after his
parents removed to Benson, Vt.

The church was instituted 21 August, 1771.

These may certify that the following named persons, viz. :
Salmon White, Simeon Waite, John Waite, Richard Chauncey,
Nathan Graves, David Scott, Thomas Crafts, Daniel Morton,

i68

Israel Graves, Benjamin Smith, Philip Smith, Elisha Frary,
Joshua Beldiiig, John Waite, Jr., David Graves, Jr., Elisha
Belding, Oliver Graves are members of the church of 'Christ in
Hatfield in regular standing, and as such are recommended to
be embodied in a church state among themselves.
By vote of the church,

OBA. DICKINSON.
Hatfield, ig Aug., 1771.

In addition to these, the following persons consented to the
covenant and were embodied into church state, viz.: Ebenezer
Bardwell, Elizabeth Bardwell, Elizabeth Belden, Submit Scott,
Abigail Smith, Martha "Waite, Eunice Graves, Mary White,
Ruth Belden, Mary Waite, .\bigail Crafts. Lydia Stiles, Ruth
Stiles, Sarah Smith, Sarah Smith, Jr., Abigail Graves, Jemima
Scott, Abigail Scott, Anna Belden, Margaret Belden, Sarah
Wells, Eleanor Morton, Miriam Frary, Elizabeth Chauncey,
Abigail Smith and George Prutt. The Intter was a slave be-
longing to Richard Chauncey and died 18 Sept.. 1794, 75 years
of age.

Of the above Elizabeth Belden was the wife of Paul, Mar-
tha Waite wife of Dea. Simeon, Ruth Belden wife of Dea.
Elisha, Mary W'aite wife of John, Jr., Abigail Crafts wife of
Benoni, Margaret Belden wife of Joseph, Sarah Wells mother
of Rev. Rufus, Eleanor Morton wife of Daniel, Abigail Smith
wife of Jonathan, Elizabeth Belden wife of Paul and a daughter
of Lieut. Ebenezer Bardwell.

There were eighteen males including George Prutt." a pious
old slave of Richard Chaunce}', and Lieut. Ebenezer Bardwell
who seems to have been admitted at the same time, thus increas-
ing the nunjber to nineteen male members and twenty-four
females, in all forty-three.

To this number was speedily added quite a number of both
sexes. Great efforts were made to sustain the preached word
for quite a time and quite through the war of the Revolution,
the efforts of the people to maintain their meetings, though
pinched for the want of ready money, foregoing school as well
as dispensing with everything that was deemed a luxur\-, but
which would now be regarded as absolute necessities.

Money raised for the support of the public schools was used
to pay Mr. W^ells' salary, as well as seventy pounds raised by a tax
levy voted at the March meeting in 1788, five years after the close

169

of the Revolutionary war. This was raised to repair the meet-
ing-house. This, too, was paid to Mr. Wells.

Mr. Temple well observes, "That Mr. Wells managed the
affairs of a large and productive farm in connection with his
ministerial duties." He was eminently successful in both call-
ings-. He was not personally required to pay a tax on his nice
farm. He was an excellent accountant and seemed determined
that his book should balance without any loss to himself.

The confession of faith and the covenant are in the usual
form in the Congregational denomination. The ordination of
Mr. Wells was in the usual form, thirteen churches of the'neigh-
borhood being invited as a council. They met "And set apart
Mr, Rufus Wells to the work of the ministry, being made an
overseer of the church or flock of Christ in Whately by the lay-
ing on of the hands of the Presbytery, 25 Sept ., 1771 ." The ser-
vices were held under the shade of two large oaks, on the west
side of the street, near the residence of the late Dr. Myron Har-
wood. The sermon was by Rev. Jonathan Ashley of Deerfield,
I Timothy, iv : 6.

The halfway covenant prevailed for many years that per-
sons not of scandalous character, could solemnly confess the
covenant. This permitted such persons to have their children
baptized. It was deemed efficacious in case of the death of the
child in infancy, as only such could be saved. This was
changed in 1816, and only full fledged church members were
accorded the right to have their children baptized.

When one reflects for a moment he finds who among our
people was so aggrieved that he could not endure the "grief and
offense" that the church should continue the practice of baptiz-
ing the children of such persons, and asks, who was Joel Waite?
Why a man who sold mm for years at his hotel in the Straits.
How often it is that men of this class are very ostentatious in
their professions of possessing sensibilities.

At the time of the ordination of Mr. Wells, Capt. Salmon
White provided for the council. His house was nearly a mile
from the place where the ceremony was performed. And we
who live in a different environment are led to wonder at the
unusual trouble they took to go so far. Then there were but
two houses between the house of Capt. White and the place
where the meeting was held, and probably both were small and
inconvenient for such a council to convene in. I have often
tried to picture that gathering of our grandsires and great-

170

grandsires, with their wives and children, all intent upon per-
forming this most important step in building a foundation for
our new town, filled with pious zeal and anxious that this im-
portant work should be done well and properly. And with
what satisfaction, not to say exultation, they clung to the young
man who had cast his lot with them and was, this beautiful
autumnal day, made their minister, their friend and guide.

This was the culmination of all their aspirations. They
had settled on their farms and had labored and hoped aye,
prayed. Oh! how earnestly, for the time when the}- could wor-
ship their God in their own little town. And now looking back
upon their efforts to progress to higher and better conditions,
we should be ingrates did we not regard their labors with pride
and gratification, that they so boldly worked for the upbuilding
of religion, of good morals in the community, for without such
a foundation to build upon, their organization as a town would
have lost its best, its crowning glory.

The next thing was to have a meeting-house. As Mr.
Temple has so eloquently told the story of the town's struggles
to surmount the various obstacles that for j^ears compelled them
to worship in a building not as good as the ordinary barn of to-
day, I will only add that my hearty respect for the pluck and
endurance of our grandsires can onh' make me wish that their
descendants were equally meritorious.

When the bell was purchased, late in the fall of 1821, the
writer was in his fifth year and well recollects hearing it rung
when it was swung up on the south plate of Capt. Salmon
Graves' woodshed, and it was rung amid the cheers of hosts of
men and women, as well as of a crowd of girls and boys. This
was on Thursday and it was rung by Mr. Simeon Reed, and
that evening the first curfew was rung.

The Sunday following it was rung at the same place for
meeting and at noon w'hen it was rung, I was there to see it as
well as to hear its tones. It seemed as though the whole town
thronged the grounds of Capt. Graves. In those days, all went
to meeting and stayed to both services. The next week it was
hoisted into the belfry, and every evening at 9 o'clock it rung
out cheerfully, until about i860 when clocks were so abundant
that the town declined to continue the practice. I well recall
the facts related about its journey, its being hoisted b}' willing
hands to its place. It was slid up on long smooth poles to the
belfry window.

171

In December, 1821, the town voted to give Mr. Lemuel P.
Bates a call to settle as a colleague pastor with yir. Wells at a
salary of $350 per year, to be increased to S450 after the decease
of Mr. Wells, and what was called a "settlement" of S500 to be
paid in three installments. He wasordained 13 Feb., 1S22, and
was dismissed 17 Oct., 1832. He is remembered for his unsav-
ory reputation. The town ceased its control about 1S2S or '29
and the parish was organized. There has since been settled
quite a number of'different clergymen, among them Rev. John
Ferguson, Rev. J. H. Temple, Rev. Charles N. Seymour, Rev.
John W. Lane, Rev. M. F. Hardy and novv '^iS^^j Rev. George
L. Dickinson. In the interim between settled ministers I recall
Rev. Mr. Snow, Rev. Mr. Chase, Rev. Mr. Lincoln, Rev. Mr.
Salter, Rev. Mr. Curtis, and there were others that I do not
now recall. At the second church Rev. J. S. Judd was settled
in October, 1843, and dismissed in 1855. He was succeeded by
Rev. Charles Lord, who was settled in 1856 and dismissed
in i860.

The second church was formed by the secession of seven-
teen members from the first one who withdrew on account of
the lack of sound orthodox preaching. They claimed that the
preaching was verging towards Methodism. These seventeen
were soon followed by others to the number of seventy-five in all,
and were properly organized into a church. I well recollect
hearing one Sunday a discourse, largely upon free agency, and
seeing the scowls that covered the faces of some of the good
people. One lady who sat in a chair became so much incensed
that she arose and, grasping her chair with both hands and
turning her back to the minister, set down her chair with a bang
that attracted every eye. So it was the straight laced Calvinist
that seceded and then, as more liberal thought })ervaded the
community after the decease of the original members, the two
churches were again happily reunited in 1867. They enlarged
the new meeting-house, raising and fitting it up in good shape
so that it is a matter of pride to the whole town.

The Baptist church probably grew out of the fierce quarrel
over the location of the meeting-house. There were, perhaps, a
few full-fledged Baptists living in town that believed in the
necessity of immersion, and others in the adjoining towns who
joined with them. They built a meeting-house, on Poplar Hill
road, two stories high, with a gallery on three sides. In 18 17,
the parish voted, "To cut it down four (4) feet and remove the

172

galleries." This was done by sawing off the posts and studding,
thus lowering the cliurch, and then finished off into what was
called slips. This wa.s rededicated in October, 1S17, the sermon
being given by Rev. David Pease of Ashfield The first nnnis-
ter was Rev. Asa Todd from Westfield. He was doubtless an
excellent man, but very deficient in educational qualifications,
judging by the church records that he kept. He was followed
by Rev St::?phen Barker from Heath, Rev. John R. Goodnough,
Rev. Lorenzo Rice, who remained several years, then Rev.
James Parker and then Rev. George Bills, an Englisliman.
Since Mr. Bills they have had occasional preaching, but gave
up their orgainzation 23 Aug., 1850.

After 181 S a small Methodist society was organized and a
certificate reciting the facts was filed with the town clerk. It is
quite likely this was to avoid taxation by the regular orthodox
church, as then every taxpayer was taxed by the town for the
support of the regular order, and many avoided this by filing
their certificates with the town clerk that they were members of
some other religious society.

The Universalist societ}' was organized 20 May, 1839. The
warrant was issued for the first regular meeting by Luke B.
White, Esq., on a petition of fourteen of its members dated 18
April, 1S39. A constitution and by-laws were adopted with the
understanding that as man}- Sabbath meetings should be held
as the funds raised would allow. It began wdth one Sunday
per month for the first year and ended in i860 with preaching
half of the time. On the formation of the Unitarian society, in
1865, the members of the Universalist all joined heartily with
those who favored the forming of the Unitarian society, and a
meeting-house was built and dedicated 17 Jan., 1867. The pas-
tors were Rev. E. B. Fairchild, three years. Rev. George H. El-
dridge, two years, and Rev. Leonard W. Brigham, about three
and one-half years, with several young men in the interim of
settled pastors. A large number of the w^ealthiest members
removed to other towns, and the society ceased to exist about
the year 1876.

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CHAPTER X.

WHATELY ROADS.

The system of highways originally adopted by Hatfield,
and partially carried out before the incorporation of this town,
has been already mentioned. The idea was to give ever\' land-
owner ready access to his several lots. The system was roads
running north and south through the town, crossed at right
angles by east and west roads, extending from the meadows to
the town limits. This could be easily effected because the sys-
tem was devised before the Commons were divided.

The Straits road was the Indian trail and practicalh' di-
vided the River Meadows from the Upland Commons. The
Chestnut Plain road was a space of ten rods wide left between
the two main divisions of Commons. The east and west roads
were reserved lots in the Commons. The only cross roads
within Whately limits, laid out by Hatfield, were the Christian
Lane, between lots No. 36 and 37 in the second division, and
Mt. Esther road, between lots No. 26 and 27 in the fourth
division. These two roads, as laid out in 17 16, were coinci-
dent at the Chestnut Plain crossing, atid taken together ex-
tended from the west line of the Bradstreet farm, to "the end of
the six miles from the great river." The course was not quite
a straight line, as the Mt. Esther road from Chestnut Plain bore
due east and west. All the roads laid by Hatfield were ten
rods wide.

It seems to have been the original intention to lay the north
and south thrmigh roads at about half a mile distant from each
other, and it was pretty well understood- where the line of a road
would be. This is shown by the location of the earliest houses.

174

Capt. Lucius Allis, Lieut. Elisha Frpry, Edward Brown, Simeon
Morton and other settlers knew where to build, and a road was
sure, in due time, to come to them.

The road north and south over Spruce Hill and Chestnut
mountain to Hatfield line was laid out by Whately in 1772, and
the same year the town voted. "That Samuel Dickinson have
liberty to make bars or gates near the southerly end of this road
for his convenience." These gates were ordered to be removed
and the road made an open highway in 17S3.

The road from Conway line over Poplar hill by the Baptist
meeting-house, and so on over Hog mountain to the south line
of the town, was laid out 1773 and was early accepted as a
county road. A road from Conway line to the south line of
Whately, west of the Poplar hill road was laid out in 1774..
Probably the following has reference to this road: 17S5,
"Voted, To open and clear the road running southerly from
Simeon Morton's by Paul Smith's to Williamsburg line."

A road was laid in 177S from Conway line southerly to the
highway south of Elisha Frary's, and from the above highway
between said Frary's house and barn, southeasterly. Probably
this was a designated line of a through road but its history is
obscure. It seems to have been continued to West brook, and
along the north bank of said brook to meet the Stony hill road,
and the road running southwesterly, by the southwest school-
house, was probably a branch or continuation of it in that
direction.

The line of the Claverack road, probably so named by the
soldiers who returned from an expedition to Claverack, N. Y.,
in 1779, perhaps from a real or fancied resemblance to that place,
seems to have been established by tradition and worked as
houses were built. The following votes probably refer to this
line: 1777, a committee was chosen to view a road from the Egypt
road north to the Deerfield line and surv^ey the same. 1780, a
road three rods wide was laid from Eleazer Frary's to Hatfield
line, "Beginning half a mile east of Chestnut Plain street, to
lands reser\-ed by the proprietors of Hatfield for a road at the
east end of Mill Swamp." 1779, Voted, "To lay. a road to the
dwelling house of Ebenezer Bardwell, Jr." It is likely that the
whole line was originally known as the "Island road", and that
it was actually opened from Christian Lane .south in 1780,

To "lay out" a road, and to "accept" a road, as the terms
were then used, probably fail to convey a true idea to us now.

175

A vote to that eflfect did not show that a highway was put in
complete order and well graded, but meant that a way was
marked out and was made passable or possible. Sometimes it
only meant that if a person traveled the designated route he
should not be liable -for damages for crossing his neighbor's land
and that if he got mired the sur\'e}'or was bound to help him
out without charge. In 1771 the town granted £16 for repair-
ing highways and allowed 2s. 6d. per day for highway work,
which would give only 128 days' work for all the roads.

The plan of east and west roads, as actually laid out, is
ver>^ complicated and the record very confused. Excepting
Christian Lane, and the Mt. Esther road from Spruce hill west-
ward, scarcely one remains to-day as originally established, and
the line of many of the early crossroads would be wholly unin-
telligible to the present generation. A "close" road was often
laid to accommodate a single individual. The roads leading
from Chestnut Plain street to Belden's mills, were laid, and re-
laid, and altered, and discontinued as new interests sprung up.
And the same is true of the roads in the southwest and north-
v/est parts of the town. Convenience for the time being was.
perhaps unavoidably, the rule of location and discontinuance.

In 1772 the town voted that both the westerly and easterly
(i. e. from Chestnut Plain as a base line) crossroads be laid
out three rods wide. And where not otherwise specified this is
believed to be the uniform width.

The road from Chestnut Plain near the old meeting-house,
southeasterly through "Egypt" to Hatfield, does not appear to
have been accepted as a highway by either Hatfield or Whately,
though it was the convenient and the traveled way from the
earliest settlement of the territory.

Christian Lane and the road over Mount Esther, as already
stated, were reserved lots ten rods wide and were in a continu-
ous line. The lane was a "bridle path" in 1756 and a rough
log "causeway" in 1761, and Mill river was then crossed by a
fordway. In 1773 the town voted to build a foot bridge over
the Mill River swamp, near the house of Dea. Simeon Wait (the
J. C. Loomis place.) Originally the lane extended only to the
Straits, The road from Bartlett's corner to Canterbury, north
of the cemetery, was laid in 1820.

. From Chestnut Plain westerly the road, as first traveled,
followed nearly the line of the reserved lot, var>'ing only to
escape-"The gutter" and to get an easier ascent up the hilL

176

That part "From the foot of Mt. Esther through land of Ensign
Elisha AUis to Abraham Turner's barn on Poplar Hill" was
laid out in 1773. From the foot of Mt. Esther to the Chestnut
Plain street the location has been changed several times. In
1786 the town voted to establish the alterations in the highway
from Whately meeting-house to Conway, beginning four rods
south of the brook and runniiig through the northeast part of
Jonathan AUis' land on the old road, etc.. and to the old road
near the foot of the hill near Dea. Samuel Wells' house in Con-
way. In iSoi record is made of a new location from Chestnut
Plain road on Levi Morton's north line to the old road near the
pound. West lane, as it now runs, was laid out in 1S19.

Probablv the Hatfield authorities had no thought of a new
town when they marked off the Commons and reserved the lots
for highwa}'s. But the intersection of those reserved highway
lots determined where the central village of the newitown should
be. And this line from Bartlett's corner to Poplar Hill was the
natural location for a road. Great swamp could not be so
readily crossed at any other point, and the ascent of the hills
was most feasible here. This was the earliest opened of any of
' the crossrcads ar.d was the most important, as it furnished a
convenient way for the Canterbun- and Straits people, on the
one hand, and the West Whately families on the other, to get to
meeting on the Sabbath and to town meeting.

After ready access to the meeting-house had been obtained
the next important care was to secure a convenient way to mill.
Taylor's mills, which best accommodated many families, were
over the line in Deerfield and consequenth' the road up Indian
Hill is not noticed on our records. Belden's mills at West
brook were accessible from the Straits b}^ means of the road on
the Hatfield side of the line running west, near where the pres-
ent road runs and so across West brook bridge.

Roads for general convenience were established early. In
r776 a committee was appointed to view a road from Poplar Hill
road, beginning seven rods north of West brook bridge, and
running southwesterly to Dry Hill, and another committee to
view a road running northwesterly from Poplar Hill road,
beginning at the north end of Noah Field's land, to Conway
line. This last was laid out the next year; In 1779 the town
voted, "That the road which leads from the Straits to Nathaniel
Coleman's be an open road, with this restriction, that Benjamin
Scott, Jr., shall keep a good gate at Deerfield road, another on

177

Hopewell Hill one month, another the whole of the year at the
south side of his land in Hopewell." Mention is made Jan. 8,
1778, of a road laid across land of Abial Bragg and Oliver
Graves.

In 1779 a road was laid to Joseph Nash's and the next
year from Joseph Xash's to the Conway line. In 1780 the
road east of Ebenezer Scott's land was discontinued. In 1783 a
road was laid from Asa Sanderson's westerly to the Williams-
burg line. In 17S5 a close road three rods wide was laid out
from the river road, at a point eight rods north of Joshua Bel-
den's house to the Connecticut river, and near the same time
Mr. Belden opened a ferry across the river. A way was also
laid out that year from Poplar Hill road by the Elijah Sanderson
place to Moses Munson's mill. A road was laid out the same
year from the road running west from John Smith's northerly to
Poplar Hill road near Peter Train's house.

Of the roads laid in comparatively modern times one from
Chestnut Plain to the Island, between lands of Capt. Henry
Stiles and Lieut. John White, was established in 18 10. The
highway from Dea. James Smith's mills down the valley by
Capt. Seth Bardwell's, was laid out in 1S24. The road from the
foot of Spruce Hill, southwesterly to the Hiram Smith place, was
laid out in 1S34. The road to South Deerfield, from Gutter
bridge through Great swamp, was established in 1835, and the
next year the way leading from the lane north was relocated,
and near the swamp moved to the west.

The Deerfield road was in use probably as early as the set-
tlement of Deerfield, about 1671, and was in constant use in
1764 as the only way to communicate with the people of Deer-
field. This road leaves the Main street in Hatfield between the
houses — when I was a boy — of Solomon Dickinson and his
brother's widow, Nancy Dickinson, then by the Elisha Waite
place, up Clay Hill, so called, on to the second level then fol-
lowed a northerly course through the Straits to South Deerfield,
keeping on the Plain to the Straits and so over the North plain.

For many years the direct road much of the way was sandy
and difficult to travel with lo&,ded teams. It doubtless struck
the Indian trail after getting some fifty or sixty rods from the
top of Clay Hill and very likely that trail was utilized for a road.
It ran nearly one and one-half miles on the limits of the Gov.
Rradstreet grant, as all of the Straits and quite a strip north of
Bartlett's comer is ou this grant, then into the second Division

of Commons through Avhich it passes to South Deerfield. This
was the main road up the valley for over a hundred years, or
until about 1S40, when the roads were built through Great
swamp and the hills were graded, and now the old Deerfield
road is seldom used.

The river road passes through a lovely region as well as a
very fertile and well-cultivated section of our town. The writer
of this had a plan of the sun^ey of the Chestnut Plain street in
his possession, but gave it to Irving Allis, but preserved this
description of it. It was the survey of the road from the top of
Clay Hill in Hatfield through Whately to Conway, over Indian
Hill, to where it intersects the Conway and South Deerfield
road xmder the authority of the town of Hatfield before the town
of Whately was incorporated. This surve}- was made in 1770.

We here present the following extract from the Hatfield
town records: "At a legal meeting of the proprietors of the Com-
mons in Hatfield Ixing in the six mile grant, 21 Nov. 1743.
Voted, by the proprietors that the highway between the second
and fourth division, run as follows : To begin where the high-
way ends that is laid out on the west side of Mill river swamp,
and from thence to run to the upper or north side of the forty-
fifth lot in said fourth division, as staked out by the proprietors'
committee in the present year. And from thence to run north-
west fift^'-eight rods to the north side of lot No. 50, staked out
as aforesaid, and from thence north to Deerfield line. At this
point it veers to the northwest, up to Pete Hill and so on up
Indian Hill and on to Conway."

This road I presume to be the real base line of the roads
afterwards laid. This, as all the roads, was laid ten rods wide,
but since some have been reduced to three rods.

The Chestnut Plain street still retains its original width.
Please note that Chestnut Plain street began "Where the high-
way ends." Here allow me to say that Silas G. Hubbard, who
fully understood the Hatfield roads, told the writer that each
side of the Mill swamp division was a road one-half mile apart.
From this fact I certainly think, as did Mr. Hubbard, that the
Claverack road — as now called — was a continuation of the road
on the east side of Mill swamp. How early these roads were
laid I do not know, certainly before 1743. So we have good rea-
son to suppose that the Claverack road existed from about 17 16
to 1743.
^ , It was doubtless true that, the north and south roads were

^79

intended to be about one-half mile apart, particularly from
Chestnut Plain street east. Then the places where roads were
to be worked were indicated so plainly that when Simeon Mor-
ton settled on the Dry Hill road he well knew where the road
was to be. The same is also true of Lieut. Noah Bardwell and
Peter Train. Edward Brown built on the proposed Poplar Hill
road, that was laid out in 1773, from Conway line to the south
line of Whately. The Dry Hill road was laid in 1774.

Our theory about these and other roads is that the people
well understood where the roads were eventually to be worked,
as in 1777 the town chose a committee to view a road from
Egypt road north to the Deerfield line, and then in 1780 the
Claverack road was laid from Eleazer Frary's to Hatfield line.
Eleazer Frary lived on the Alonzo Crafts place in the lane, so
it is very evident that the road was there, by the action of Hat-
field prior to this, as Niles Coleman lived there then.

As will be seen by reference to the will of Reuben Belden,
dated 27 Nov., 1775, he gave the town of Whately ''The farm or
land in said Whately, with the dwelling house standing there-
on, lying on the Island, so called, in which Niles Coleman now
lives." The evidence is simply culminative and to the effect that
the people of that day well knew where the roads had been es-
tablished by Hatfield. How long Niles Coleman had lived
there we do not know or who had built the house that was a log
house we cannot tell, but it was pulled down and the present
house built very soon.

Mr. Temple doesn't give any dates of the laying out of the
highway from Deerfield line past the Abraham Parker place to
connect with the highway running through the Gov. Bradstreet
farm, but the records of the proprietors of Bradstreet's grant
say: "At a legal meeting of the proprietors, held 16 May,
1718, it was voted, that w£ will have a highway to run through
the upper mile in the most convenient place," and a great gate
was to be built at the north end that leads out to Canterbury.
This was built by Ebenezer Bardwell and another at the end of
the upper mile, built by Josiah Scott, and this was the direct
road to Sunderland, and as we find the date of 171S we can but
conclude that the road past the Abraham Parker place was in
existence as early as 17 18.

The road from the river road to the Deerfield road Mr. Tem-
ple says was laid, in 1756 and struck the Straits below the John
Waite place running south of the cemetery. This has since

i8o

been straightened. Then he says: "In 1755 a road was laid
from the Straits eastwardly by Ebenezer Morton's to the road
dividing Old farms and West farms, thence to Dennison's grant."
Who was Ebenezer Morton ? Where did he live ? And where
is the road ? Most certainly not in Whately.

Considerably earlier than this a path had been marked out
and traveled from the Straits near "Mother George" north-
westerly through "Egypt" to Chestnut Plain street, so Mr.
Temple says. Now the Mother George road did not lead to or
from the Straits, as the Mother George road had its mouth or
junction exactly where the Ferguson house stands, now owned
b\- H. A. Brown, then running east to a ford of Mill river thence
running southerly, west of the barns of John M. Crafts and Pat-
rick Conolly, thence southeasterly to the south line of R. M.
Swift's land, bought of Orrin Dickinson, and so on in the same
southeast course to the Egypt road, crossing it diagonally and
keeping the same course across the Capt. Smith lot, formerly
owned by the writer, and met the Deerfield road about fifteen
rods north of the Joseph Scott place, owned later by Elijah Bel-
den, on the west side of Deerfield road in Hatfield.

The writer has been over this Mother George road for seventy
years. The wet spots were corduroyed, and the old, much-de-
cayed poles are still in existence. This was the route over
which our earlier settlers went to Platfield. And one going then
from Northampton would have to go through Hatfield then over
Mother George to Whately and Conway, either by the Indian
Hill route or else by the Mt. Esther route. We have no other
date for the Christian Lane road than that of its being laid out
or left for a road 29 April, 1716. This lot was 8 rods, 11 feet
and 4 inches wide at Chestnut Plain street and some wider at
the Straits. Mr. Temple says: "Christian Lane and the road
over Mt. Esther, as already stnted, were in a continuous line."

Here I must differ from Mr. Temple, as the lot left for a
road in the fourth division was between lots No. 26 and 27, and
was between Horace Manning's house and the house of Dono-
van brothers. From the north side of lot 26. in the fourth
division of Commons, to the south line of the Christian Lane
road is 224 rods, so the two roads could not have been in con-
tinuous line. But there was never a road built on the lot left
for a road between 26 and 27. But the road turned from Chest-
nut Plain street just north of the Oliver Morton blacksmith
shop just south of the W. I. Fox house and then ran diagonally

i8i

from that point to the "Pound" and then up the hill and on
over Easter to West Whately, striking the Poplar Hill road
near the house of Abraham Turner, just north of the Baptist
meeting-house. Had Hatfield located the West Whately road
between lots 36 and 37 instead of 26 and 27, it would have been
some twenty-five rods too far south to have been coincident, as
Mr. Temple claimed.

The road over Easter was laid by Whately in 1773. The
Lover's Lane was laid out, as it now runs, in 1S19 at the in-
stance of Elijah Allis, who was then about to build the hotel.
Dr. Bardwell had then built his house and where the hotel
stands was the location for horse sheds. These were torn down
or removed, probably torn down, as there were no sheds any-
where about the church as early as 1S25, as I well recollect.
When the West Whately road over Easter reached the lowlands
north of Irving Allis' house it branched off from the Conway
road, running under Mt. Easter, or Esther, up by the house of
Dea. Samuel Wells, more recently owned by Seth B. Crafts.

The Spruce Hill road was probably early designated, but
was really laid out by the town in 1773. This ran on the top of
the hill starting from the Conway road, a little west of the house
of George Dickinson, and south over Chestnut mountain. That
this was a designated road at an early date we have proof in the
fact that Dea. Nathan Graves built on the west side of this road,
on the top of Chestnut mountain, in 1762 and in 1772 the town
records say it was accepted as a town way.

The Poplar Hill road, leading from Conway line to the
south line of the town, was laid on and over Shingle Hill, past
the residences of Lieut. John Brown, Abraham Turner, Xoah
Field, Edward Brown, Peter Train, Lieut. Noah Bardwell and
Zenas Field and was, doubtless, designated by the Hatfield
authorities and formally accepted by the town in 1773.

South of Zenas Field's the Grass Hill road commenced and
led to Williamsburg and, as Mr. Temple well says, "In 17S5
the town voted to open and clear the road running southerly
from Simeon Morton's by Paul Smith's to Williamsburg line."
This was the Dry Hill road running by Elihu Waite's, Simeon
Morton's and Col. Ames' houses. In 1S24 the road, leading
from the Mitchell corner up the brook to intersect with the road
leading from Poplar Hill road to Dea. James Smith's mill, was
laid and worked. The road from Poplar Hill road to Munson's
mills was laid in 1785. The mills were built in 1784.

l82

In 178S a road was laid from near West brook bridge to
Belden's mills. It is well known that Samuel Belden was a
cousin of and successor to Reuben Belden who died in 1776. In
1788 there were iron works, used probabl}- for melting scrap iron
and possibly smelting from iron ore, but most likely the working
of scrap iron. This mill, or factory, stood near the site of the
barn on the Lemuel W'aite place. About this date the iron
works ceased and the mill was turned into a distillery for the
manufacture of rye, gin or whiskey, by a company consisting of
Gen. Seth Murray, Gen. Dickinson, Seth Bardwell, Samuel
Belden and others. To accommodate this mill the road was laid
as follows: "Beginning at Hatfield line at West brook bridge,
running north one rod, then west two and one-half degrees,
north fifteen rods, then west thirty-one degrees, north seven rods
to the northeast corner of the mill, then north five rods to the
top of the hill for the convenient turning of teams." This was
voted at a legal town meeting held 2 March, 17S9. It is quite
probable that the mills were either burned or torn down before
1S04, as no trace of them is found or any party who could tell
what became of them since I was old enough to be interested
in such historical matters. I have heard my father speak of this
mill and distillery and of Chester Harding ha\-ing sketched the
appearance of some of the people who brought rye to the mill.
He had a natural ability to sketch them in a ludicrous manner
when a mere boy.

"Egypt" road was built earl}^ and afiTords a passage from
Deerfield road to Claverack road. I have never seen any record
of the laying out of the road through "Egypt" and yet it fur-
nished the people living in the Straits a way to go to mill and
the sawmill, as well as to Northampton. When this road was
laid, or by whom, I do not know, but it has long been a trav-
eled roadway leading from Claverack to the Deerfield road, cer-
tainly for njore than seventy-five years, and been repaired by
the town all these years. There has been only one change
made in it within my recollection, when m}- father's uncles,
Rufus and Caleb, bought the lands of Israel and William Dick-
inson, now partly owned by the town of Whately. The road
was mostlv owned bv Caleb Dickinson until the Plain was
reached, then it veered to the north and ran on to the land that
the Crafts brothers bouglit. The Dickinsons bought of Caleb
Dickinson a strip two rods wide from that point to Deerfield
road, and the roadway was thus straightened, Caleb reser\'ing

183

the wood, but after chopping it off the stumps would average
from twelve to fifteen inches high. This was in 1825 and then
we used to drive through there, the wheels sometimes goine
over a dozen stumps in driving the fifty rods or so. Then my
father used to go and cut down the stumps, as we had a dozen
acres or so in corn. At noon, after eating his dinner, he would
work on that road until he cut them out clean, the town paying
him for the work. And so it has been occupied.

The Stony Hill road was laid in 1777 from the Poplar Hill
road, near Nathan Waite's and his son, Jeremiah's, who had
bought first on Shingle Hill and subsequently of Capt. Church
and his sister, the house and land where his son, Nathan, then
his son, John Bement Waite, and his son, Willis F., now lives.
So it was from here that the road was laid in 1777, between
the houses of John Smith and Maj. Phineas Frary on Spruce
Hill road, over Stony Hill to connect with the road that was in
existence up Mill Hill, north of George B. McClelan's to the
mill.

The people had that road up Mill Hill as early as 1778.
This, after getting up the hill, turned a square corner and ran
south to the mill about thirty rods. This road over Stony Hill
was discontinued when the county laid the road down by the
brook, about 1S30, and about that time the road from the mill
to Chestnut Plain street, north of George B. McClelan's, and
then a road was laid down by the brook, where it now is.

What is called the crossroad runs between the lands of
Capt. Henry Stiles and Dea. John White and ran from Chestnut
Plain street to Claverack. A brick schoolhouse was erected at
the time of the opening of the road, in 18 10. This opened the
way to the schoolhouse for the children living in Claverack and
shortened the distance to the post office. The schoolhouse was
at the junction of the crossroad and Chestnut Plain street.

And now a tew words to emphasize the improvements that
have been going on from year to year relative to the roads and
bridges. This we conceive to be an element in the history of
our town that should be laid fairly before our readers. The
chairman of your board of selectmen informed me that all of the
bridges of sixteen feet in,length and over were now built of iron
or steel. When the town commenced replacing the old wooden
structures with iron, they used wooden joists or sleepers. These
are now being taken out and steel joists used in their places, thus
eliminating the danger of a collapse in the near future. We ali

i84

know that highway workers are quite apt to say without due
and thorough examination "O. I guess it's safe and all right"
and, first you know, down goes the bridge.

Only a few* years ago an omnibus load of young people, some
twelve or fifteen of them, drawn by four horses, descended the
hill on the South Deerfield road at a smart gait and struck the
wooden bridge with such force that the bridge fell. This struc-
ture was about thirty-five to forty feet long. The horses and all
fell into the water and were saved with great difficulty. The
weather was cold and their clothing was frozen, and great ap-
prehensions were felt for their ultimate recovery. The town had
to settle, the best it could, the damages incurred by this acci-
dent (if we may so term it). The approach to the bridge was
as low as the bridge. Few people properl\- consider the blow a
bridge receives when a four-horse team rushes at a high rate of
speed, with its heavy load of human beings, and strikes the
bridge. Of course, this was replaced b}' an iron structure. The
solid stone abutments were raised higher, making a rise to the
bridge in its approach as you came down the hill. The wooden
sleepers have given place to solid steel, and thus a serious
danger is avoided.

When it is feasible, stone abutments for the small runs have
taken the place of an old log, placed on each side of the brook,
or run. When the writer was a boy, seventy to seventy-five
years ago, there was no effort to grade down the short though
steep pitches, or build up the bridge. Sleepers were laid across
the logs and, instead of planks, they used fairly straight poles,
of from four to six inches in diameter, and as one drove down
the little hill it was necessary to be on .your guard or you would
be thrown out of the wagon. Now good stone abutments are in
use and often the bridge or covering is made of large flat stones,
or arched over and raised sufficiently to afford abundant room
for the water flow in times of heav>' freshets.

The town seems to be waking up to the necessity of using
some of the surplus cobble stones in macadamizing the clay
hills, like the Dr. Dickinson Hill and Gutter Hill. In the
spring these hills are fearful, and the improvements come slowly
but surely, and if only a small distance is done in a year it will
soon be completed and all these improvements are now going
on. The advocates of thorough work are in the ascendency and
it is this kind of work that tells for the benefit of the town,
• , Good roads and bridges that carry you safely over help

i85

greatly to induce outsiders, of a class that is needful to build up
the town, to come in. It also stimulates, to an extent, improve-
ments in our houses and farm buildings, promotes a pleasant
feeling when we ride out or hear this remark from those who
occasionally ride tlirough our town: "You seem to be doing
something to improve your town."

The old method of building our roads over the hills has
largely given place to the construction of roads in the valleys
following the streams, thus facilitating travel and the ease of
drawing^ loads from town to town or in one's own town. For-
merly we had to mount the hills and either go over Mt. Esther
or reach the Poplar Hill to get to the west part. Since 1825 we
have been saved all of that tedious drive by the building of the
road up the valley of West brook, affording a fine, feasible route
and a pleasant roadway, and so of others.

Think of the fearful hills to climb to get over Shingle Hill
to go to Haydenville. Now we have a fine road at the foot of
the hill, affording a pleasant drive, follov/ing a little brook quite
a portion of the way. Then there was also the Spruce Hill
road, now seldom used since the completion of the road down
the valley from the E. S. Munson place to the center of the
town. I might mention other improvements, but these seem
sufficient to illustrate m}' point.

The foregoing is an imperfect sketch of the highways of
Whately. Some roads were established and opened, of which
no record can be found. In some cases the town ordered the
survey and location of a road and afterwards reconsidered its
action but, in the meantime, the road had actually been opened
to travel. Thus the records fail to furnish data for a complete
history of our private and public highways.

These details may seem to be of trivial importance, but they
were vital questions in their day. Individual and district pros-
perity hinged on the establishment or refusal to locate a road,
on the adoption of this or that line, or whether it was an open
or a close way. And these details have in themselves a certain
historic value.

There is always a reason for locating a road. The reason
may lie at the beginning or the end of the line, it may be a per-
sonal or a public reason, the reason miy be apparent or it may
be concealed. And a careful study of the subject never fails to
educe some valuable facts illustrative of sectional and general
interests, illustrative of wise forethought or foolish afterthought.

1 86

The name of a road is expressive like the name of a town or the
baptismal name of a person. The direction of a road indicates
the course of settlement or the opening of a new industry or out-
let of a trade.

The general history of its highways, is the history, in out-
line, of the rise and progress or the decay of the industrial pur-
suits of a town. Now in closing our talk upon the roads we
would congratulate our townsmen upon the evidences of thrift
and prosperity everywhere visible.

CHAPTER XI.

EDUCATION.

As the early action of this town on matters pertaining to
education had reference only to the town's own interests and was
influenced by the varying circumstances of local growth and
prosperity, this chapter is necessarily made up largely of votes
and incidents, often apparently trivial. But these incidents and
votes are worth preser^-ing because, while they reveal the senti-
ment and plans of each succeeding generation and the conflict-
ing interests of different sections, they also show that the public
free school system is the one best adapted to our state of society
and best answers the demands of a growing people and a free
government. Its flexibility is an advantage. Its voluntar\-
character is an advantage. Its dependence on an annual vote
of the citizens is an advantage. Even the suspension of the
schools for a year, in case of great emergency, has its compensa-
tions, for then the father and mother are made to realize their
personal responsibility for their children's welfare, and are led
to put forth efforts and make sacrifices w];iich directly and indi-
rectly promote true education and which furnishes an illustration
of life's exigencies which benefits both parent and child.

To know the world is as important as to know books. To
acquire the habit of observing and thinking and putting forth
the energies to master difiiculties, 'is as much a part of school
duty as to recite lessons. The Puritan fathers had a broad and
true conception of what education is, and among the earliest
acts passed, was one requiring the selectmen of towns to see to
it that parents and masters train up their children "In learning

i88

and labor and other employments which may be profitable to
the Commonwealth." For the learning and habits of industry
and knowledge of some profitable employment, here enjoined,
not only fitted the child to become a useful member of the state,
but at the same time fitled him for individual excellence and
happiness. The proper aim of school instruction, as of all
instruction to children, is to fit them for efficient duty. There
is need of knowledge, need of culture and need to learn the
dangers of life and how to shun them, as well as the best way to
use its advantages. The child needs to get a true idea of his
dependence on others for his happiness and influence, and to
believe in and respect the rights of others, as well as to believe
in his personal independence and claim his own rights. He
needs to have his wits sharpened early if he is to be a successful
competitor for position and power.

Our public schools, where all classes mingle and where
courses of stud}- are adapted to the various capacities and where
restraint and liberty are wisely adjusted and where parents and
teachers co-operate, as they do in every successful school, and
home and school discipline supplement each other, our public
schools, thus administered, furnish the best preparation for prac-
tical life. Probably parochial and patronage schools and pri-
vate tutors would insure a higher standard of merely scientific
attainment to particular classes in the community, but the true
education of the people is, beyond question, best promoted by
our free school system.

The first year the tOwn made no pro\dsion for schools. The
season was well advanced before the new order of things got
fairly established, and there were no schoolhouses. In 1772, at
the annual meeting in March, it was voted, "To raise ^13, 6s,
8d for schooling, and that the selectmen lay out the money in
Chestnut Plain, Straits and Poplar Hill streets, said school
money being proportioned to each street- agreeably to what they
respectively paid in the last year's rate." The schools in each
street, for this and several succeeding years, were kept at pri-
vate houses. A frame of a schoolhouse was put up this year in
Chestnut Plain street, directly south of the meeting-house, but
it was not finished. Probably it remained unfit for use for sev-
eral years, as in 1774, the question came before the town to see
if any conveniences should be made in the meeting-house for
schooling. The town voted in the negative — very wisel}' it
would appear, as the meeting-house was quite as unfinished as

i89

the schoolhouse. The sura of ^13, 6s, Sd appears to have
been raised for schooling during each of the next three years
and the money was divided and expended as in 1772. In 1775
the following school committee was chosen: Benjamin Smith,
Joseph Scott, Joseph Belden, Jr., Thomas Crafts, Elisha Belden,
Perez Bardwell, John Smith, Peter Train, Deacon Nathan
Graves.

The pressure of the war now became severe, and for several
years no public money was raised for schooling, and it is not
likely that any schools were maintained.

An English Schoc^l. At a meeting held r Dec, 1777,
the town voted, "To accept the piece of land given by Reuben
Belden, deceased, for the use of schools in the town of Whately,
upon conditions named in his will." In explanation of this
vote an extract from the will of Reuben Belden of Hatfield, who
died 1776, is here given:

"Furthermore, I give and bequeath to the inhabitants of the
town of Whately, in the County of Hampshire, for the sole use
and benefit of an English School to be kept there, as hereafter
mentioned, the estate, hereafter described, (the same to remain
unalienable by the said town, ) viz, : That farm, or tract of land
in said Whately, with the dwelling house standing thereon, in
which Xiles Coleman now lives, lying on the Island, so called,
between the lands of Henry Stiles and Elisha Belding, and
bounded west upon the Mill River, and extending thence east
two hundred rods, and carr>'ing the width of seventeen rods the
length aforesaid : And I hereby appoint and impower the
selectmen of the said town of Whately for the time being for-
ever hereafter to take the care and direction of the improvement
of the said farm, and the issues and profits of the, same, and the
buildings thereon and appurtenances thereof to employ for the
benefit of the said school. And this gift and bequest I make
upon the following conditions and noother^vise, viz. : That the
said school be kept in that street in the said town called the
Chestnut Plain street, near where the present meeting-house
stands, and that the same be set up within two years from the
time of my decease, and be not suffered at any time thereafter
to cease or fail to be kept up and maintained for the term of six
months in any future year : And in case such schools as afore-
said shall not be set up at or near the said place in the said
street, and within the time above limited, and be kept and main-
tained in manner as aforesaid, then it is my will that the said
estate shall be and remain to my kinsmen hereafter named and
their heirs." ,

The tract of land above specified was lot 21, in the second
division of Commons. It appears that the town failed to take

the necessary steps to carry out the provisions of the will, and
consequently the bequest was forfeited.

The will of Reuben Belden was dated 27 Nov., 1775, pro-
bated 3 Sept., (776.- Mention is made of his sisters, Eunice,
wife of James Porter of Hatfield, Dorothy, wife of Elisha Billing
of Hardwick, Submit, wife of David Scott of Whately, Martha,
wife of Warham Smith of Hadley. He also names his late
wife's sisters, Mary, wife of Samuel Maj-, Hannah, wife of
Joseph Flowers, Susannah Pierce, all of Wethersfield, niece,
Mary, wife of Jona. Pierce of Hartford, cousins, Samuel Bel-
den and Silas Porter of Hatfield. His inventory amounted to
^.'2,486. 4s, 6d. He owned grist and sawmills on West brook —
the Isaac Frary privilege — before 1770, afterwards owned by his
cousin. Samuel Belden. He owned real estate in Hatfield,
Whately, Hatfield Equivalent and Ashfield. He bequeathed to
the inhabitants of New Township No 7 (Hawley) in the county
of Hampshire, lot No. 115 in that township for the sole use and
benefit of an English school to be kept there, etc.

In 1780 the town voted to build three schoolhouses and the
next year voted to put off building the same. But about this
time a schoolhouse sixteen feet square was built in the Straits,
on the corner southwesterly from the Zebina Bartlett place,
another was built on Poplar Hill road, by private individuals,
and there is some evidence that one was built on Spruce Hill,
which was used for a time by the dwellers on Chestnut Plain
street.

In 17S2-83-S4. Mary White, Jr., taught a school in Chest-
nut Plain street, but whether in a schoolhouse or private house
the record does not say. In 1784 the town raised ^^ 1 8 to be divided
into three equal parts, £,b for each street, and Noah Bard well,
Josiah Allis and Thomas Sanderson were appointed a committee
to lay it out. Zilpah Stiles was employed to teach in the center
nineteen weeks. In 1785 £,i'& was granted, to be divided as in
'84, and a schoolmaster was employed for ten weeks, beginning
June 1 1.

The reasons for a summer term probably were that the first
schoolhouses had no fireplaces, and it was inconvenient for fam-
ilies to let their rooms during the cold season, and the cost of
fuel would subtract too much from the scant funds at the dis-
posal of parents and committees. Mr. Backus was schoolmaster
in 1787. Miss Stiles was again employed in '89. She appears to
have been a very useful person in the new town, teaching school

191

as occasion required, and at other times doing the tailoring and
dressmaking of the families until her marriage with Peter Clark,
In ) 789 the town voted, "To appropriate the money raised for
schooling to pay arrearages in Mr. Wells" salary."

The town voted, 6 Dec, 1790, "To provide five school-
houses for the use of the town ; that the house now built in the
east district, which is sixteen feet square, be sufficient for that
part of the town ; that the Chestnut Plain schoolhouse be 20 x
16 feet ; that the Spruce Hill district schoolhouse be 20 x 16
feet; that the Poplar Hill schoolhouse be 15 x iS feet, and that
the town will give the proprietors ot the house now in that street
the sum of ^i i, los; that the Grass Hill schoolhouse be 15 x iS
feet." The Straits schoolhouse stood as already described.
The one in the center was directly south of the meeting-house.
The one on Spruce Hill was about forty rods south of Levi
Morton's, now the Rufus Dickinson place. The house tor the
Poplar Hill district was built on land of Lieut. Noah Bardwell,
about ten rods south ot the west burying ground, on the west
side of the road. (The old stepstone may now be seen on the
spot.)

In the same year /"30 was appropriated for schooling, the
money to be proportioned on the children in each district from
eight to twenty-one years of age. The rule of apportioning the
school money varied — in some years it was divided equally to
each district, sometimes one-half on the scholar and one- half to
a district. In 1827 the town voted to number the children on
the first of May, from seven to twenty, and divide the money on
the scholar.

After a schoolhouse was built on Spruce Hill, Judith White
sometimes kept there and sometimes in the centre. "Master
Roberts," whose full name was George Roberts, taught in town
many years, certainly from 1795 to 1804 and perhaps longer.
Other early teachers were Rebecca Baker, Electa Allis, Thomas
Clark, Mr. Osgood, John Parmenter, Benj. Mather, Thomas
Sanderson, Jr.

In 1785 Simeon Morton, Lieut. Noah Bardwell, Capt. Phin-
eas Frary, John White, Joel Waite. 2d. were chosen school
committee. In 1798 the town voted to reduce the number of
school districts from five to four.

In 1799 ;^5o was voted to build a schoolhouse in Chestnut
Plain street, 30 x 24 feet. As this was the first large and fin-
ished schoolhouse in town, and was evidently looked upon as a

192 -

model house of the day, it may be well to give the specifications :
Contracted with Benjamin Scott, lor ;(,42,i'js, to build the new
schoolhouse, to be rough boarded and clapboarded and shingled,
a chimney built and a hearth laid, the house to be glazed win-
dow shutters on the outside and the outside door hung. As is
often the case when men begin to be extravagant the money
first appropriated proved insufficient to fully carrv^ out the idea
and later in the year a committee consisting of John White,
William Mather and Solomon Adkins was appointed, who sold
the finishing of the house to Luther White, the lowest bidder,
for S67.

This house stood on the east side of the street, a little way
south of the old meeting-house. And now another perplexity
arose. The people living on the outskirts had consented to be
taxed heavily for the large and comfortable centre schoolhouse,
with a fireplace, and now as thej' thought, it would be no more
than just that they should be allowed to use it as a "noon room"
on the Sabbath, where they could warm themselves and chat
away the intermission. But the town voted, "Nay." Nor was
this all. The dwellers on Spruce Hill became jealous, and in
iSoi a \'Ote was carried in town meeting, "To move the school-
house on Spruce Hill to the guideboard near Nathan Waite's,
and add four feet to the length, and put it in as good repair as
the schoolhouse near the meeting-house."

Previous to this last vote, however, and about the time
when the new center schoolhouse was completed, having got
three schoolhouses more comfortable than the rest, a vote was
passed "To divide the town into three school districts, the lines
to be Mill river, between the east and center districts, and a
line running north and south between Elijah Allis' and Daniel
Allis' and between Maj. Phineas Frary's and Reuben Graves',
giving Joseph Crafts, Daniel Allis and Reuben Graves liberty
to choose which district they shall belong to." This vote was
not at once carried into full, even if it was into partial, effect.
In 1801 the town voted to build a schoolhouse in the northwest
district, 26 x 22 feet, and finish it in imitation of the one in the
centre district, "Only twenty lights to a window." The next
year the town voted, "To buy the old schoolhouse near Josiah
Brown's for a workhouse."

No new movements in relation to schools or schoolhouses
appear on the records for the next ten years. In 181 1 the school-
house in the Straits was replaced, on the old spot, by a new one

193

i8 X 24 feet, at a cost of one hundred dollars. This house had
two fireplaces, one at each end of the room. The same year
the middle district was divided, and two- new schoolhouses
built, each 20 x 24 feet, one where the north center house now
stands, the other near Stiles' corner. In 1813 schoolhouses
were built in the southwest and northwest districts.

As early as 1824 the families living in Canterbury moved to
secure a new schoolhouse for their accommodation, but the
town negatived the plan. In 1S27 the families living south of
Sugar Loaf united and built by subscription a house just on the
north line of J. C. Sanderson's land, near where the witch left
his print in the ground when he jumped from Sugar Loaf. The
next year the town voted to allow the Canterbury families their
portion of the school money and also to move the Straits school-
house to the corner of the proprietor's highway. In 1829 the
town voted that the inhabitants of the east district have liberty
to build a house for a select school on the land owned bv the
town, where the old schoolhouse formerly stood.

A special effort on behalf of the schools appears to have
been made this year, the result of which was the adoption by
the town in 1S30 of the following rules:

Resolved, i. That the boys have the privilege of attend-
ing the schools in the summer, till thev are ten vears old, and
the winter schools when they are seven years old.

Resolved. 2. That the girls have the privilege of attend-
ing the summer schools till they are thirteen years old, and the
winter schools when they are ten years old.

Resolved, 3. That the southwest district and the east
district shall be permitted to send scholars to the several schools
at an advanced ratio of age provided, that the prudential com-
mittee of the district and the superintending committee shall
judge the increase of scholars will not injure the school.

Resolved, 4. That one-third of the money which each
district shall draw from the town, be apportioned for the benefit
of the small scholars, and the remainder for the large scholars
in winter.

Voted, That the school money be divided, the one-half on
the district and the other half on the scholar, the ensuing year.

In 1832 it was voted to divide the town into three districts
for the benefit of large scholars, to be called the east section,
the middle section and the west section. And the minor
arrangements under this division appear to have been left to the

194

discretion of the school committee. In 1833 the east district
was divided, and a schoolhouse built south of Elijah Allis' place.
The six districts, into which the town was then divided, remain
substantially unchanged to the present day.

Select or High School. The question was several
times agitated of erecting a building near the meeting-house
for a school of higher grade. In 1829 the people of the east
part made a move to get such a building there, and the town so
far favored the plan as to give them leave to erect a schoolhouse
on the town's land, at Bartlett's corner. In 1831 the matter of
building a Town house came up, and the town voted, "To raise
one hundred and fifty dollars, to be given by the town, together
with the town land lying near Justin Morton's barn, to the pro-
prietors of a schoolhouse, provided they have a hall in said
building sufficiently large to do all the town business in." The
scheme did not succeed.

In the winter of 1838 several citizens associated and raised
the necessary funds, and the next season built a select school-
house on West Lane. A school was kept here in the fall and
winter of 1839-40 by Addison Ballard of Framingham, then a
member of Williams college. This school was maintained for
a single term, annually, with a good deal of interest', for a num-
ber of years. The building was sold and converted into a dwell-
ing house about 1854.

In 187 1 the Town hall was raised 'up sufficiently for a sec-
ond story and enlarged by the addition of twelve feet to the
length. The low^er storj' was divided and finished for the uses
of a select school, a town library and town offices.

I desire to say a few words relative to the nonacceptanceof
the farm left to the town bj' Reuben Belden by his will in 1776.
At a meeting held i Dec, 1777, it was voted, "To accept the
land given by Reuben Belden," and on the conditions upon
which the bequest was made, but they made no attempt to carry
out the instructions of the testator. It should be remembered
that at this time a mere handful of brave and patriotic men were
struggling for national existence and to free themselves and
their children from the hated yoke of British tyranny.

Money was scarce and business was carried on by the inter-
change of commodities. The taxes were paid in grain, pork,
beef, etc., the prices of which were fixed by the General Court,
and the selectmen had lists of prices that they could allow :
wheat, six shillings per bushel; rye, four shillings; potatoes,

195

one shilling ; barley, four shillings ; pork, four pence per pound ;
beef, three and one-half pence, and so on clear through the list.
Continental bills were largely counterfeited by the British, so
really they were nearly worthless.

All these things combined to prevent our people from
attempting to open a school as Mr. Beldeu's will directed.
Even the little stipend appropriated for schools was taken to pay
Mr. Wells for his services. His pay, to the last farthing, was
rigorously demanded. If it ran overdue the interest was also to
be paid, school or no school.

Continual calls for men to fill the quota of the town, to get
substitutes for those who had property, as well as the constantly
recurring taxes to meet the constantly recurring wants of the
town (perhaps two or more tax levies in a year) was a great
burden upon the people. It is no wonder that the town allowed
the legacy to lapse. Then the inventon,- of the property was
but /;26, or $86 66.

Leaving this matter, we will speak of other schools in the
town at a later period. The first schoolhouse erected in the
Straits was on the east side of the road, near the house of Rich-
ard Phillips. The counters were so constructed that the}' were
back of the scholars. When the time came for writing they had
to turn around facing the walls of the house, but none but the
older scholars were allowed to write. The teacher gave up the
time to making pens or in mending the old ones, which were,
of course, goose quills, and in examining the writing, seeing
how they held the pen and in making suggestions to the pupils.
This house was bunied. Before building another, the school
was kept in a building that had been used for a store by Gad
Smith. One of the early teachers was Cotton Nash, son of
Joseph Nash.

The Canterbury schoolhouse was on the west side of the
road and stood partly on land now owned by Walter W. Sander-
son and the heirs of J. C. Sanderson. This was built in 1S24.
It was afterwards sold to Judethan Eaton, who removed to
South Deerfield, and he fitted it up for a dwelling house. It
was later owned by his son, L, L. Eaton.

The two center districts each built in iSroabriok school-
house. These were built by John and Salmon White and
Thomas Crafts. Mr. Crafts made the brick and had them laid
into the buildings. That in the north center has been remod-
eled, the walls laid higher with gables, while the old ones were
covered by a foursquare roof running-to a point.

196

The one in the south center district was on ground that,
when it frozt.-, was such that it was wholly unsuited for the pur-
pose, and it was considered unsafe. About fifteen years later
it was torn down and a new house was built of wood on the hill
very near the site of the present house.

The writer well rtcollects the house vacated in 1S25.
There was a large fire place on the north and south sides of the
room, and the amount of wood consumed was immense. There
were seats on the east and west sides, three rows with counters,
and small seats in front of the last counter for the young
children.

The school averaged about sixty scholars. The girls were
seated on the west side and boys on the east side. To spell
they were arranged on the floor space and they took places,
everyone striving to get to the head and often drilled by spelling
two or three pages in Webster's spelling' book.

There were no blackboards for examining our methods of
solving the problems in Adams' arithmetic, the only general
exercise in mathematics. The teacher would call upon anyone
v\-hom he chose to rehearse the rules as far as given in our books
and asking us many questions to test our understanding of the
principles involved in the rules. If the answers were not satis-
facton,' another one was told to rise and give his views and if not
particularly satisfactory he would say, "Lay aside your slates
and attend to learning the rules."

Our schools were divided into two terms of twelve weeks
each. The boys were kept at home summers after they were
about eight years of age, but went winters until they were about
fifteen. Very few had an opportunity to attend a select school
until after 1830.

About 1838 or '40 the northwest and the south center dis-
tricts built an additional room and each winter graded the
schools. The older scholars were given superior opportunities.
These schools ceased in a few years for the want of scholars.

In 1854 the town opened the Town hall for use as a high
school and the increased educational advantages were enjoyed
b}- a large number from all parts of the town. The pupils from
the west part would hire rooms and bring needed articles for
housekeeping and food for the week.

These schools were continued for a number of years, afford-
ing untold benefits to a great number of scholars. The town
built an addition to the Town ball and raised the hall one

197

story higher. The lower portion finished for use as a school-
room, a room for the town libran,-, the selectmen's room, etc.
Of late years scholars go and come on the railway to Deerfield
or Northampton and some few have graduated there.

A better educated class of teachers is required for our
schools, and they also have whatever of advantage there may be
in having a competent superintendent. I wish here to say that
our town has for many years been earnest in its efforts to fur-
ther the interests of the schools and has made liberal appropri-
ations for their support.

But to again recur to the old time studies and the methods of
instruction since the writer ,,can recollect, say from 1S22 vvhen
he was five }ears old. The previous summer we had mastered
the alphabet, standing at the side of the teacher who pointed
with her penknife to each letter and telling what its name was.
After the second year I was furnished with the New England
primer, which contained many Bible stories, and the catechism,
and a spelling book. These two occupied my time until I was
\ seven years old. I had to learn the catechism and rehearse
daily.

About every two or three weeks Mr. Wells would come in
and catechise us. We had to go out onto the floor and stand in a
row, ten or twelve of us, and the good old man, dressed in knee
breeches and long black stockings, morocco shoes with knee
and shoe buckles, (apparently silver) with his gray hair braided
and tied in a cue with a black ribbon hanging down his back
about eight inches, wnth the ribbon three or four inches lower
and surmounted by a black silk frock or mantle open in front,
with rather wide sleeves, would question us. He needed no
book, as he was perfectly familiar with the questions and
answers.

Then, for a wonder, I was the best posted in the class, and
often had to answer when no one else could or would, and many
is the time that the kind-hearted, old man has laid his trembling
hand upon my head and said, '"James, you will make a man
that your parents will be proud of."

Strange to say, that then I had not a doubt but that ever^-
word in that catechism was true and now, though the minds of
the young are thoroughly imbued with doctrines pertaining to
the trinity, redemption, justification, sanctfication and damna-
tion, yet many of us have outgrown these awful tenets warping
the minds of many of us. Really the twig was bent only to re-
bound eventually.

The reading books were ill adapted to the wants of the
scholars. The American Preceptor and Scott's Lessons,
both unfit for pupils under twelve. Later, when attending win-
ter terms, we had for a reading book the First Class Book, and
the smaller scholars had Easy Lessons and the Young Reader,
Webster's Speller, Woodbridge's Geography, Murray's Gram-
mar and Adams' Arithmetic printed in 1815. The Woodbridge
Geography was accompanied by an atlas and was the earliest
one I had ever seen — before that we had Morse's and Dwight's.
The bulk of our school books would not be tolerated in our
schools to-da}-.

I have before me a proprietary' rate made for schooling, done
for the following persons in Whately and Deerfield, between
16 May and 5 Oct., 1781, being five months complete after the
deduction of two absent days, at ye rate of ^i, 12s, od per
month, inclusive of board :

Lieut. Tho's Sanderson, 2 scholars at 9s, 2d ^o 18 4
Joseph Belden, 1^4 scholars at 9s, 2d o 13 9
Benjamin Scott, i scholar at 9s, 2d 092
Benjamin Smith, i scholar at 9s, 2d 092-
Joel Waite, i scholar at 9s, 2d o 9 ' 2
Philip Smith, 2 scholars at 9s, 2d o iS 4

These above belonged to Whately and the following from
Deerfield :

Lieut. David Stebbins, 2 scholars at 9s, 2d /^o 18 4

Aaron Pratt, 2 scholars at 9s, 2d 018 4

Jonathan Russell, iH scholars at 9s. 2d o 13 9

Benoni Farrand, 2 scholars at 9s, 2d 0184

Solomon Jepherson, 1% scholars at 9s, 2d o 13 9

£^ 00 5

This school was probably kept at Canterbury in the house
of some one of the people, or possibly at some house in the edge
of Deerfield, as the Hon. H. S. Allis well recalls his first year at
school. They had a room in what was known as the Stebbins
house, where later has lived A. A. Jewett. The old house was a
large one, and there he attended school when four years of age.

An effort has been made to establish a new system of school-
ing in town, which is to build one large schoolhouse for the
accommodation of all the pupils in town and have them trans-
ported at public expense to the center of the town, and this to
be a central graded school. This is the recommendation not
only of . our school committee, but of your former, as well as

199

present superintendent of schools. For one. I very much doubt
whether such a plan could be well carried out. for several rea-
sons. The .condition of Sunderland is cited as the main areu-
ment in its favor.

The conditions of Sunderland and Whately are far from be-
ing similar. The population of Whately is scattered over a
larger extent of territory and much of it hilly and rough. This
would cause much unnecessary inconvenience and consequent
suffering. It is true at the present time there is a paucity of
number of scholars, and it seems more desirable to allow the two
west schools to be taken to one schoolroom, and so of the two
east at one place. When we consider that the little tender
child, of just school age, is compelled to be hurried off through
storms and drifting snows and, sick or well, is obliged to remain
all day amid suffering, only to get home at a late hour, it
seems to me to be a pretty strong inducement for the loving par-
ents to dispose of their property and leave the town.

When he bought his farm his deed conveyed all the
rights, privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging. Among
those privileges largely inducing the man to buy, was the
nearness of the schoolhouse. Had he for a moment expected
that his little loved daughter was to be transported by ever so
kind-hearted a man he would never, for an instant, have con-
sidered the question of locating in such a locality, and now, after
he is compelled to submit to such arrangements, he must feel as
though he was deprived of a portion of his actual rights — and
for what ? Who is benefited by such a concentration of all the
scholars in one building ?

Is a better class of teachers to be employed ? Are the dul-
lards to be brightened and they induced to renewed efforts.
Where I live the schools are all graded. Are the scholars, all
of them, any more eflScient than those who, like myself, attended
the district school ? We then had some bright scholars and some
were. Oh, so dull. So it is with our schools here. We had
scholars of eight years that were better readers and spellers than
many great louts of double the age. Fathers have rights, but
consider for a moment, the terrible strain to the tender, loving
and anxious mother as she thinks of her loved one plodding
through drifts and amid the storms, coming home cold and sick.
But, having had much to do in school direction in years gone
by, I can be classified as an old fogy and so will drop the matter.

As there are but few now living in Whately who can recall

200

incidents occurring in the schools sevent3'-five years ago, as well
as the methods of teaching, and knowing well the excellent mem-
ory of my old-time schoolmate, Hon. Hubbard S. A His, I asked
him to contribute a sketch for the chapter on education, and I
am now in receipt of his paper. Simply promising that the inci-
dents he relates have much of historic value, we give the moiety
of space for its publication, as a sort of relief to the recital of
simple, tame and not over-interesting matters. Mr. Allis has
returned to our own well-loved town in his old age, where we
hope he may enjoy his fine residence for a good long time.

Whatelv, Mass., May 7, 1899.
Hon. J. M. Crafts,

Orange, Mass.,

My Dear Sir: —

You requested me to write out some of the incidents of my
school days in Whately, and of the location of the schools and
the teachers thereof, within* my recollection from 1823 to 1839,
the year I left Whately for Rochester, where I resided until
1S96. Now, I think you are eighty-two and as I am only eighty,
you have two years' more knowledge of Whately early schools
than m3'self; at any rate I used to think you had more brains
when we sat together in the old south school, figuring on an old
slate addition and subtraction of fractions when we were young
kids.

I remember all about that school and I had reason to for,
between us both, I got the biggest pounding from the teacher
that I ever had for my boyish deviltry. It occurred in this
way : You made up wads of paper and passed them under the
bench to me and, when teacher's back was turned, I would shy
them across the room to the girls, hitting their faces. They
would scream out, disturb the school and they would not know
who sent them. W'e worked that dodge several times, and
finally I was caught.

The teacher came by the desk, took me by the neck, hauled
me out of the seat, as you would a trout out of a brook, cuffed
my ears and bent my back, putting my head under his long
table filled with his books, inkstands and other traps. I had
been in that position about one-half an hour, when my disposi-
tion for fun got the better of me, by turning my head towards
the girls and by making up faces towards them to make them

20I

laugh, etc. I was caught at that, when the teacher's two and
one-half ft. ruler came down upon my back like a cyclone. I
made one jump on purpose, raised my body with extra strength,
turning over the heavy table, scattering his books and ink all
over the floor. He then went for me like a crazy man and
pounded me all around the room. Oh! such a pounding, no
scholar ever had in the town of Whately. It cured me of
deviltr\' from that day on.

My first recollection of schools I attended was in 1S23. My
father lived at the Major Sanderson house in Canterbury, oppo-
site the shoe shop. The house was burned a few years since.
I was sent to school kept in the Stebbins house, standing near
the west end of Sunderland bridge. The teacher was Hannah
Clapp from Northampton. The scholars I remember were Levi
and Emerson Parker, sons of Capt. Asa Parker, William and
George Sanderson and Harriet Smith and other children as far
south as Frances Belden, for I remember Roxana Belden coming
to the Stebbins house school, and she sat beside me. On one
occasion she came to school with a new yellow dress and I
thought she looked so very nice and pretty, and after that we
used to walk hand-in-hand as far as my home. She was a sister
of Alfred Belden.

Capt. Parker's first wife died 11 April, 1822, and Miss
Clapp's school was moved from Stebbins' house to Parker's
house, and he married her, how soon after his first wife's death,
I do not know, but I know she gave me the first whipping I
ever had in school. I had been making some trouble in some
way and she shut me up in a large closet, very dark. I yelled
loudly to get out and she said I could not until school was over.
Now, this closet contained a quantity of walnuts. I threw the
walnuts against the door so continually that she could not keep
school. She finally let me out, gave me a good whipping, sent
me home and father doubled tlie dose.

The marriage of Miss Clapp probably ended school at the
Parker house, and a schoolhouse was built between J. C. San-
derson's and Dwight Sanderson's houses in 1824. I saw the
building raised, sitting on a board between Diana Sanderson
and Harriet Smith, sister of Cutler Smith. I recall an incident
that occurred at that time, thus: When the frame was raised,
ladders down, etc., the last man down was scolded for not driv-
ing in a peg to a brace. Some man said. "(I^all Orrin Brown
with his axe, he can reach it." Orrin was over six feet tall, and

202

took Ms axe and at two strokes drove the pin home, and three
cheers were given for Orrin.

Joseph Erown r.-as the grandfather of Theophilus Brown,
and li\-ed in an old house about twentx-five rods south of S. W.
Allis' house. I went to school in the new house for a short
time, and then we moved to Whately street in 1S25, to the place
where I now live.

The first school I attended after we moved to Whately
street was at the north center brick house, which stands there
to-da^-. The teacher was Fanny Crafts, sister of Cotton, for I
remember of her taking all the school children to her home to
eat maple sugar. The second school I attended in the street
was a private school, kept in a store that stood about where the
Town house now stands. This building was afterwards moved
to the west side of the street, where Horace Manning now lives,
by J. M. Cooley and remodeled. When he went to Springfield,
Mr. Temple occupied it.

Our teacher was the Rev. Mr. Perkins, afterwards one of
the first missionaries to China. He was a rigid disciplinarian,
and gave me my first whipping wrongfully. I pleaded with him
not to whip me, as I was not the one who did the mischief, but
J. did not give away the other boy, but took the dose manfulh-.
I made up my mind I would get even with him. About a month
after I went to the schoolroom at noon time, put a large bent pin
in his big arm chair seat, and when he opened the afternoon
school, and sat down in the chair he jumped half over the
room, pitching his table and books before him. He never could
find out th^ boy rogue who did it, for that boy's head was close
to his slate all that afternoon, wrestling with the mysteries of
fractions and, occasionally, seeking his advice to unravel them.
S. B. White attended this school, also Albert Sanders, Deacon
Reuben H. Belden, Zabina W. Bartlett, Charles D. Stockbridge,
Rufus P. Wells, Mary Morton, Experience Wells, Harriet Frary,
John H. Bardwell and sisters, and many of the older scholars
from other districts.

About this time the people north of the old church, this side
of Gutter brook, got set off to the south district school, taught
by Lydia Allis, afterwards Mrs. Dr. Myron Harwood, who took
the place of Salmon White, son of Justice White, who died
while a teacher there, if I am not mistaken. It was a summer
school, and I don't think you attended. I think there is no one
living now who attended school in that district, except myself

^o3

and yourself and Mrs. Rufus Dickinson. We children were in-
structed by our pious parents in^the street, as we passed to and
fro from the schools, if we met old Parsons Wells, to form two
lines, take off our hats and bonnets, and let him pass through
the lane with his chapeau hat, black gown, silk stockings,
clasped above his knees with silver buckles, abo the same fas-
tened his shoes.

I also attended a prix'ate school kept by a student from Am-
herst college, in the basement of Austin Elder's house, on the
West Lane. I remember as scholars there, two sons and a
daughter of Stephen Clark of West Whately, John Bardwell,
Hopkins Woods and sisters, Angenette and Elizabeth Looniis,
Sybil and Clarissa Bardwell, daughters of Dr. Bardwell, Expe-
rience Wells and Mary Morton, Rufus Wells and Morris Morton
and Porter Wells.

The next school I attended was a private school, kept by
Rev. Mr. MacKinstry, in the hall of the hotel owned by Mr.
Bush, who was also the town merchant in the store attached.

This was a large and fine school, and manv a Whatelv bov
and girl, from sixteen to twenty, from all over the town made
great progress under his teachings in their education for a
future business life. I remember as scholars from East Whately,
George W. Sanderson, Reuben H. Belden, Albert Sanders ;
from Christian Lane, Elizabeth Loomis ; from West Whately,
Stephen Clark's children; from the center, Hopkins Woods,
Morris Morton, John and Charles Bardwell and sisters, Experi-
ence Wells, Mary Ferguson and brothers and Mary Morton,

My father was one of four or five men that subscribed to
build a private schoolhouse which stood on the lot west of the
hotel. This was run as a private school for some years and
then, for some reason, it was given up, the building sold and it
is now the Bennett house on the west end of the lane. I do not
recollect of going to that school. I presume the reason was that
I was sent to Deerfield academy for two years about that time.
I recollect of going around with a subscription paper to get
money for a writing school. I succeeded and procured H. G.
Knight of Easthampton to give lessons to some seven or eight
of us boys in a room in Dr. BardwelKs house, he donating the
use of the room. Mr. Knight was afterwards, I think, Lieut.
Governor of Massachusetts.

I recollect also of doing the same thing for a singing school
and procuring Col. Barr fdr a teacher, and we had a large

io4

school and a jolly good time, but I never heard that any of the
young ladies turned out Jenny Linds or the boys famous tenor
singers. 1 know in that role I was a failure. The environment
here was so contracted, in regard to music, that I suppose we
all fell froni grace in that regard. We all fell back into old Ste-
phen Clark's and Reuben Graves' style of singing through the
nose, after Reuben pitched the tune in church by biting his tun-
ing fork and starting in to praise the Lord with a tenor scream
that would have frightened an eagle on top of the high moun-
tain in "West Whately where he lived.

The same old controversy about schools and their location
that you and I heard seventy' years ago, is in existence here to-
day, for at the last Town meeting in March, it was voted, "To
raise $6000 for a new schoolhouse, subject to the approval of a
special Town meeting, held 29 April," when the vote in March
was reversed by a large majority. The first vote would have
compelled all the scholars to come to one school in the center.
The true course to pursue is to make three districts out of the
six now in existence, one to be at the Straits four corners, one
in West Whately and one large building at the center for small
children and advanced scholars from all over the town.

Yery truly yours.

H. S. ALLIS.

Libraries. It has always seemed to me as strange that
the subject of libraries should have escaped the attention of Mr.
Temple. While the town has nothing to be overproud of in
this direction, yet we deem it of some importance that due atten-
tion should be given to so important a matter as a library. So
we beg our readers to note carefully what we may say.

The first librar\' of which I have any knowlege in Whately
was formed sometime between 1790 and '95, perhaps earlier even
than 1790. To commence with, each subscriber paid one shil-
ling and six pence, and in the original document, which is with-
out date, it is written in ancient form, as 1-6. This was doubt-
less in English money. To show our authorit}- for claiming a
date prior to iSoo, I find that Abner Dickinson died 28 Sept.,
1799. aged seventy-five years, and he was one of the subscrib-
ers, so it must have been before his death and quite a number
died soon after. I will give an exact copy of the names and the
amounts credited as paid :

tn

w

O

o

20S

LIST OF THOSE WHO PAID ONE SHILLING, SIX PENCE.

Salah Scott.
John White,
Consider Morton,
Daniel Morton,
Capt. Seth Frary,
Solomon Atkins,
Asa Sanderson,
Graves Crafts,
Charles BardwelT,
John Smith.
Zenas Field,
Reuben Graves,
Isaac Frary,
Samuel Dickinson.
Gideon Dickinson,
Luther White,
Simeon Morton,
Samuel Grimes,
Thomas Wells,
Thomas Marsh,
Levi Graves,
Joel Monson,
Martin Graves.

Rev. Rufus Wells,

Capt. Henry Stiles,

Joshua Belden,

Lieut. Abel Scott,

Eleazer Frary,

Jeremiah Waite,

Maj. Phineas Frar\',

Oliver Graves, Jr.,

Salmon White,

Philo Bacon,

Moses Graves,

Samuel G. Morton,

Capt. Salmon Graves,

Jehu Dickinson,

Elijah AUis,

Aaron Dickinson,

Moses Munson, Jr.,

William Mather,

Dea. Levi Morton, *

Salah Graves,

Oliver Morton,

Gad Smith,

Nathan Waite,

Abner Dickinson,

In all forty-seven names of the most prominent people in
Whately prior to 1800. The youngest of these was Thomas
W^ells, born in ijSr .

After this, about 1820 or perhaps a year or two earlier,
another library association was formed of probably a larger con-
stituency, and continued until about 1832 or thereabouts, when
quite a number of the subscribers refused to be governed by the
regulations, and refused to pay annually the stipend agreed up-
on and, after much altercation, they agreed to sell the books at
auction.

I well recollect of being present at the sale and buying a
few books, and I heard Dr. Miron Harwood say at that time,
"That this was just the way the old library was sold off at pub-
lic auction and that he bought one or more books" (I do not
recall how many books he said he bought.) At that time, 1S32,
there had been many removals from tow-n and others w'ere
going.

The next effort was to avail ourselves of the right to establish
school district libraries, about 1842 or '43, the state contributing
towards the expense. Several of our school districts procured a

• 2o6

library of standard works. This continued for awhile and the in-
terest in these books decreased, as the books were of a different
nature from those the vounsr desired to read. The next library
was an agricultural library, formed in i86r. A meeting was
duly called and a goodly number of our people gatliered in
the evening of 7 Nov., 1S61, and made choice of Dr. Chester
Bardwell as president, Elihu Btlden. Esq., as vice president,
and James M. Crafts as secretary. A committee of five, con-
sisting of Dr. Chester Barduell, Elihu Belden. Esq., Edwin M.
Belden, Elliott C. Allis and James M. Crafts, were chosen to
select a list of books to constitute an agricultural library. Each
member paid in fi\-e dollars to the fund for books, with an
annual stipend of one dollar to be invested in ne\\ books. The
interest continued and much good resulted. At a meeting held
after the establishment of the Town librar}-, in 1S71, it was
voted unanimousl}-, "To place all such books as remained, in
the Town library, to be used as town custodians might see fit,"
and thus ended this agricultural library after a continuance of
some fifteen years.

It is certainly proper that we should speak somewhat in de-
tail relative to the establishment of the Town free library.
There had long been a strong desire for the establishment of a
library, either by an association of interested citizens or, some-
how, by the town. At last, at a meeting held 6 April, 1S74,
action was taken on the following article: "To see what action
the town will take to establish a Town library and to choose a
committee for the same." Under this article the town chose as
the committee: Salmon P. White, Seth B. Crafts, David Scott,
Samuel C. Wood, Charles F. Pease and Paul W. Field, and
they were to appoint a librarian. They outlined the needful
steps to be taken and made report to the Town meeting the
next March. Then the town appropriated the amount of the
dog fund.

The first books were bought and were soon in the hands of
hungry readers, a room in the Town house being set apart for
the storage of the books. This room was intended for the Town
clerk's office, but was only used to store the weights and meas-
ures and an old trunk or two that contained old papers, valua-
tion books and a badly mixed assortment of town orders, etc.
The sum of the dog fund, often increased by an extra appropri-
ation, has been given annually for its support. Aside from this
the town has paid the needed expense of the librarian, as well

207

as the expense of repairing and rebinding the books. I can
only give the amount of three years' appropriations, for the lack
of Town reports, but I ihink they represent about a fair average
of the yearly appropriations: For 18S5S6, the sum was $155.75
and service of librarian $26, in all S1S1.75 ; for 1S87-88, the sum
for both was 5142 69 ; for 1898-99, the sum for both was S199.00.

Under the town's fostering care we now have 2,279 volumes,
besides numerous public documents. The number of new books
added in 1898 was 120 volumes of the latest works of the best
authors, with several standard works, and the intelligent com-
mittee will tell you "The patronage of the library increases each
year. The library room has been enlarged, giving additional
space for at least 2,000 volumes, the floor covered with linoleum
and new lamps put in, all of which greatly improves the appear-
ance of the place." And now I may be permitted to say in con-
.cluding this account of the efforts of our town's people to have
a library commensurate with the wants, not to say necessities of
the people of our town — perhaps I shall be excused when I say
that but a moiety of our people have ever opposed liberal appro-
priations of money for the constant increase of the books and
their care — that the library stands to-day as a permanent
fixture of the town, not onh' as an adjunct in our educational
system, supplementing, as it does, our schools where the ele-
ments of an education are obtained, only to be developed by
reading the best thoughts of intelligent writers.

To-day it is not unusual to find a large class of our people
well informed in current literature-and capable of interesting con-
versation on topics allied thereto. True, works of fiction form
the larger portion of the books read, yet they are often found to
contain much of historic value, as well as a refined method of
expression, all of which is educational.

One more thought presses upon my mind, and that is the
fact of a library not being mentioned by Mr. Temple. Yet,
when he was settled over the Congregational church, three libra-
ries had existed and two of them had run their course and been
closed up. And one would be left to conclude that the sources
of information of our people were confined to listening to the
long-drawn-out discourses of the clergymen and the small and
uninteresting county papers. Yet, we had had two comfortable
sized circulating libraries, the first dating back to about rjQo,
and the other to about 1818 to '20, started by a fund raised on
each sliare and an annual payment of a stipulated amount.

208

In the first librar}-, each member or shareholder contributed
annually the sum of is, 6d English money, so the amount of an-
nual collections would be ^3, los and 6d, or in federal money
(calling a pound equal to S3. 35) would make n(jt far from about
Si 2 in round numbers. This sum had been annually expended
for books up to near the time of its sale. Copies of these books
are yet in existence.

It is nevertheless true that our schools, though they gave
us the primary elements for an education, were largely
the hot beds of instilling into the minds of the young, certain
theological notions calculated to uphold the dominant order. I
am now past fourscore-and-two years, and yet. the impress on
mv mind still exerts an influence upon my modes of thinking.
I left school for summers when I was eight years old. Up to
this time, the only study in school had been the New^ England
Primer and Assembly's Shorter Catechism, and we were cate- •
chised not only by the teachers, but often by the minister, who
not only asked the usual questions, but took occasion to impress
many points upon the scholars.

The primer contained twenty-four coarse woodcuts, one, as
I recall it, was a picture of the devil. He was represented as
having legs like a big rooster, with spurs ; another represented
a biblical scene of the driving of a large nail into a man's head ;
another scene was the burning of John Rogers at the stake, and
as a recent writer well says, accompanied with couplets and
triplets as follows :

In Adam's fall ') ' Zacheus he

;- and did climb a tree
We sinned all ) our Lord to see

and others of a similar nature.

It is claimed that the primer w^as of Englisli production.
A recent magazine' article well says: "The}' are full of piety
of a ghoulish sort, or of the teachings of that stern school of
theology to which those men belonged who lived in the idea
that they had been ransomed by the sweat of no vulgar agony,
by the blood of no earthly sacrifice," for whom "The sun had
been darkened and the rocks rent, the dead had arisen and all
nature had shuddered at the sufferings of an expiring God."

All these things were taught us in the hope that the mind
of the young would receive such impressions as would in after
life control our religious belief, doubtless with a commendable
purpose, when viewed from their standpoint. So works of fie-

209

tion -^-ere deemed of little worth, and people urged the commit-
tees to purchase books that should largely consist of history,
biography and travels, with a liberal sprinkling of scientific
works.

It was soon apparent that these kind of books did not often
leave the shelves of the library, and the committees were
obliged to cater to the wants of the readers. The conditions in
which we live are changed, our educational system is up with
the times. Our newspapers are now filled with suitable read-
ing. Liberal and advanced thoughtpermeates the minds of our
people, and their reading must correspond to their advanced
wants. So by all means cherish your library,

CHAPTER XII.

WHATELY IN THE \VARS. — THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR,
1 754- 1 763; T-HE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION, 1 775" 1 783;
THE SHAYS' REBELLION. [786-17S7; THE WAR OF l8l2-
1S14; THE REBELLION OF 1S61-1S65.

Although the war of 1754 antedates the incorporation of the
town, yet as permanent settlements had been made, and these
families are identified with its social and civil life, and their indi-
vidual acts illustrate its public history, there is an evident pro-
priety that the war records of the time should be included in
the annals of Whately. These earlier struggles against the
encroachments of the French, were a preparation for the later
struggle for Colonial independence. The private soldier received
a training which fitted him for the post of command. And thus
the discipline of the camp and the smell of gunpowder were not
new experiences to the Minute Men of '75.

As will be seen, several of the men, whose record is given
were, at the time of their enlistment, inhabitants of other and
distant towns. Some saw the lands on which the}' afterwards
settled, for the first time, when marching to and from the scene
of warfare northward and westward, and some were then and
continued to be citizens of Deerneld till the south part of that
town, on which they were located, was annexed to Whately
in 1 8 10.

The ages of these soldiers varied greatly and, in some cases,
father and son were members of the same company. Ebenezer
Bardwell, St., was fifty, Gaius Crafts was thirty, Joseph San-
derson, Jr., was eighteen. Some were out in a single campaign.

211

others took part in nearly- every expedition during the seven
years of active warfare.

Although the list may be incomplete, yet even this brief
record will help do justice to the memory of many brave men,
who o'ave the flower of their \'OUth to their country, and some of
whom, through the neglect or inability of the government, failed
to receive a proper return for their sacrifices of tinie, money
and health.

The scope of this work does not include a history of the

causes and progress of these wars, it does not even include an

extended account of any single campaign. Indeed, so far as

the French war is coticerned, our account will be confined to

a bare record of the names of those who were at the time, or

afterwards became inhabitants of W'hately, and a list of the ex-

peditions in which each soldier served.

Abraham Parker. In Capt. Israel Williams' company,
Aug., 1754, to March, 1755.

Henry Stiles. In Capt. Ephraim Williams' company at
Fort Massachiisetts, 23 Sept., 175-I.. In Capt. Israel Williams'
company, 11 Dec, 1755, to 10 March, 1756. In Capt John
Burke's company expedition to Crown Point, 29 March to 30
Die, 175&. Sergeant inCapt. Isaac Wyman's company, 25 Dec,

1756, to 26 Jan., 1757. Serjeant in Capt. John Burke's com-
pan_\-, expedition to F5rt William Henry, 12 Feb. to 4 Xov.,

1757-

Richard Carey. In Capt. Elijah Williams' company, T755.
In Capt. John Burke's company, 2 March to i April, 1757.

Philip Smith. In Capt. Elijah Williams' company, 1755.
In Capt. William Lyman's compan\', 10 Sept. to 30 Dec, 1756.

Simeon Graves. In Capt. E. Williams' company, 1755.
In Capt. William Lyman's company, 10 Sept. to 30 Dec, 1756.

Joel Dickinson. In Capt. Lyman's company at Lake
George, 1755. Sergeant in same company, 10 Sept. to 30
Dec, 1756.

Samuel Carley. In Capt. Benjamin Ballard's company, Mar.
to Oct , 1755, and Dec. 1755, to March, 1756. In Capt. Samuel
Howe's company, 1756. In Capt. John Burke's company, ex-
pedition to Fort William Henr}-, Feb. to Nov., 1757.

Gains Crat"ts. In Capt. Moses Porter's company, expedi-
tion to Crown Point, i April to S Sept., 1756. In expedition to
Canada, campaigns of 175S and 1759. In Capt. Elijah Smith's
company, expedition to Crown Point, April, 1759, to Jan.' 1760.

Perez Bardwell. Enlisted at eighteen years old. In expe-
dition to Crown Point, 1756. In Capt. John Burke's company,
2 March to i April, 1757. In Capt. Salah Barnard's company.

1757. In same company, expedition to Canada, 1758 and 1759.

212

Corporal in Capt. Barnard's company, expedition to Canada,
Feb. to Dec. 1760, and in Capt. William Shepard's company,
April, 1761, to Jan., 1762.

Paul Smith In Capt. Moses Porter's company, expedition
to Crown Point. 1756. In expedition to Canada, 1759.

David Gra\-es, Jr. In Capt. Moses Porter's company, expe-
dition to Crown Point, 1756.

Seth Waite. In Capt. Moses Porter's company, expedition
to Crown Point, 1756. In Capt. Elijah Smith's compan}-, expe-
dition to Crown Point, April, 1759, to Jan., 1760.

Ebenezer Bardwell. Lieutenant in Capt. Moses Porter's
company, expedition to Crown Point, 1756, also in Capt. Joiia.
Ball's company, same year. In Capt. Salah Barnard's com-
pany, expedition to Canada, 1757 and 175S. In Capt. John
Burke's company, engaged in bringing deserters, from 30 March
to 25, Dec. 1759.

Ebenezer Bardwell. Jr. In Capt. Salah Barnard's company,
expedition to Canada, 1757 and 1758.

Joseph Belden, Jr. In Capt. Whitcomb's company, 1756.

Nathaniel Sartwell. In Capt. Whitcomb's company, 1756.
In Capt. John Burke's company, 1757.

Israel Graves. In Capt. Israel William's company, 1756.

Salmon White. Corporal in Capt. William Lyman's com-
pany, 1756.

Elisha Frary. Drummer in Capt. .William Lyman's com-
pany, 1756.

Abner Dickinson. In Capt. William Lyman's company,
1756.

Joseph Byrani. In Capt. John Burke's company, 1757.
Ensign in Col. Jona. Hoar's regiment, ij6i. Ensign in com-
mand of Invalid company at Crown Point, Nov., 1761, to
March, 1762.

Samuel Bardwell, brother" of Perez. In Capt. Barnard's
company, 1757. In expedition to Canada, 1758 and 1759.

Oliver Graves and Nathan Graves. In Lieut. Billings'
company, marched for relief of Fort William Henry, 1757.

PpuI Belden. In Capt. John Burke's company, expedition
to Canada, 1759.

Silas Smith. In Capt. Burke's company, as above.

Jeremiah Waite. In Capt. Salah Barnard's company, expe-
dition to Canada, 1760.

War of the Revolutiox, i 775-1 7S3. — The letters of
Thomas Whately and Governor Hutchinson, copied at length in
a preceding ehapter, have given intimation of an impending
struggle between the colonies and the mother country.

The original charter of the American colonies were under-

213

stood to guarantee to the people all the rights and liberties of
Englishmen. One of the dearest of these rights was. immunity
from taxation, except by their own consent, i. e., by their rep-
resentatives in Parliament. And, as the colonists had no rep-
resentation, they claimed that they were rightfully exempt.
And this exemption had not before been called in question. For
near one hundred and fifty years this guarantied privilege had
not been disturbed. But after the close of the war with France
in 1763, Great Britain found herself burdened alike with debts
and with domestic taxes, and, as a measure of relief, the minis-
try devised the plan of raising a revenue by impost and other
duties, levied on articles of prime necessity to her American
subjects.

These measures were resisted by the colonies, not so much
because the burden first imposed was oppressive, but because the
right to raise a revenue in this way implied the right to levy
more direct taxes, and thus made the internal management of
American affairs subject to the will of Parliament. It was a
first move in a course which would undermine their liberties.

Remonstrances and petitions and appeals to the king were
sent home and had their effect. The first revenue laws were
repealed or modified, or allowed to remain inoperative. Rut the
repeal of the Stamp act was accompanied with the passage of
an act, declaring "That Parliament has, and of right ought to
have, power to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever."

Other plans for taxing the Americans were adopted, and
new causes of irritation sprung up, which developed and tested
the temper of men on both sides. But what aroused most deeply
the spirit of the colonies was an address to the king, adopted by
Parliament in February, 1769, requesting that orders might be
sent to the Governor of Massachusetts to transport to England
for trial all who should be suspected of treason. This was an
unexpected move, and was looked upon as hostile and vengeful.
Nothing could be more odious to a freeman, who had all his life
enjoyed equal ^rights in his native land, than the idea of being
torn from his country and tried for his life by strangers.

The British view of this measure is presented in the letter
of Mr. Whately. The American view of this and the measures
that immediately followed it, is set forth in well-known declara-
tions of the colonial legislatures, in the destruction of the tea in
Boston harbor and the war of the Revolution.

Massachusetts was the first of the colonies to resist the arbi-

514

trary acts of Parliament, and her capital was singled out as the
first to receive exemplar}' punishment. She led the \va}- in
devising ways and means of revolution, and bore her full share
in the sacrifices and sorrows of the contest.

Although the people of the Connecticut vallex' were less
directly affected by tlie restrictions on commerce, and the pres-
ence of foreign troops, than the* seaboard towns, }'et the princi-
ples involved were felt by all to touch the vital issues of civil
life and political liberty. And our people were quick to respond
to the alarm of danger, and entered with the whole heart into
the struggle for independence.

In the fall and winter of 1772-73 a plan was originated by
the leading patriots of this state, which had a most important
bearing on the progress and ultimate success of the revolution,
and the subsequent union of the colonies. This plan was the
appointment of a central committee ot correspondence and
inquin.' in Boston, and like committees in every town in the
province. Similar committees were appointed by \*irginia and
other colonial assemblies. By this means the counsels and
action of the entire people were brought into harmony, and
efficiency and strength given to every movement.

A circular, accompanied with a pamphlet, wherein "The
rights of the colonists, and the infringements thereof," are set
forth, was sent to the inhabitants of the several towns in the
state. A copy of this was received b}- the W'hatelj' authorities
early in 1773. A town meeting was immediately called, and a
committee of three, Edward Brown, Elisha Frary and Joseph
Belden, Jr., was chosen to answer the said letter. The commit-
tee drew up, and forwarded (by vote of the town) the following
reply:

Gentlemen: The proceedings of the town of Boston under
the present exigencies, we esteem very laudable and worthy of
a metropolis. W'e concur in general with 3'our sentiments in
stating the rights of the colonists and province, and of the in-
fringements of these rights. We hold fast loyalty to our sover-
eign, yet we groan under our burden, but do not despair of re-
dress. If the importunity of a poor ^-iciow may move an unjust
judge to avenge her how much more may we hope for redress
by frequent applications to a gracious king. We shall at all
times heartily join with you, in all legal and constitutional meas-
ures, for the keeping of these inestimable pi;ivileges wrested
from us, and firmly to secure those that remain. For we are
sensible that, should we renounce our liberty and privileges, we
should renounce the rights of man, the rights of humanity and,

215

even our duty to God and man. We have no doubts but that
the Parliament of Great Britain will hereby understand that 'tis
not the discontedness of a faction, but that the whole people are
sensible of the burdens they labor under.

This letter is indicative of the general popular sentiment.
The people were still strongly attached to their sovereign, and
had not given up hope of securing redress for their grievances,
but they were ready to stand by their leaders and to defend their
ancient rights and privileges. In this town, as in other places,
the use of tea and most West India goods, had almost entirely
ceased. Foreign calicoes and woolens, which had largely taken
the place of homespun, were now discarded. The spinning-
wheels were restored to their places in the living rooms, the looms
were repaired, and the younger girls became ambitious to learn
all the mysteries of making and dyeing cloth, and men and
women alike returned to the wool and flaxen garments of their
grandparents. Great care was taken to increase the number of
sheep. The acreage of flax sown was doubled. All projected
public improvements were stayed, and family expenses were cut
down to the lowest point. Lawsuits were taken out of court
and settled, alienated neighbors became friends.

1774. This was a year of active preparation. The central
committee of correspondence called for mone}' to help. the dis-
tressed citizens of Boston, and further the plans of armament
and organization. And at a town meeting in Wbately, held 21
July, it was voted, "To pay out of the town stock the sum sent
for by the committee."

Oliver Graves was chosen deputy to attend the Provincial
congress to be holden at Concord the second Tuesday in Octo-
ber. Elisha Frary was delegate to the second congress, held
at Cambridge, 5 Feb., 1775, Noah Wells and Salmon White
went to the third congress, which met at the meeting-house in
Watertown the last of May, 1775.

During this fall — 177-I. — a company of minute men was
organized. As was natural, the men who had been trained in
the French and Indian war were looked to as best fitted to lead
in this new struggle. Lieut. Ebenezer Bardwell, who had seen
most military- service, was now sixty-eight years old, and Henry
Stiles, now in the prime of life and next him in military expe-
rience, was selected to command the company. The best men
of the town enlisted and took their place in the ranks.

At a meeting in December the town voted, "To provide one

2l6

hundred weight of powder, two hundred weight of lead and two
hundred flints for the use of the town."

1775. Early in January a committee of correspondence was
chosen, consisting of Oliver Graves. Benjamin Smith, Oliver
Morton, Joshua Belden, John Smith, Elisha Frary and Paul
Smith. And at the same town meeting it was voted, "To raise
money for the minute men."

Voted, "That the minute men be allowed Sd for each half
day spent; the sergeants, lod; the lieutenants, i2d."

\'oTED, "That the minute men train four half days between
this and the first day of May next."

The Lexin'GTOX Alarm. — The battle of Lexington was
fought April 19th, and the news reached the valley late in the
da}' of the 20th. The alarm was instantl}' sounded, and the
Whately company of minute men was ready to start early the
next morning. They marched that day and the next forenoon
forty miles, and receiving intelligence that the British had
retreated and that their services would not be required, they
returned home the 23d.

The roll of this company, found in the state archives, is as
follows :

Capt. Henr\^ Stiles Ebenezer Dickinson

Lieut. jS.oah Bardwell Niles Coleman

Sergt. John Lamson Roswell Smith

Sergt. John Brown Benjamin Smith

Thomas Sanderson Joel Waite

Paul Belden Daniel Wells

Ebenezer Bardwell, Jr. Salmon White
John Waite, Jr. ' Edward Brown

Simeon Wells David Ingraham

This list, however, comprises less than half the Whately
men that marched that day for the scene of strife. The Hatfield
companies were made up largely of our townsmen, and some of
the Deerfield company, though then living over the line, should
be reckoned to our account. In Capt. Perez Graves' Hatfield
company were :

Silas Smith Elisha Smith

John Smith Gideon Dickinson

Gains Crafts Gad Waite

Jonathan Edson, Jr. Salah Scott

217

"This company marched to Ware, twenty-three miles, and
returned with the Whately company.

In Capt. Israel Chapin's company, Colonel John Fellows'
regiment, that marched 20 April, and was out seven days, were:

Lieut. Perez Bardwell Joseph Crafts

Sergt. Nath'l'Sartwell Noah Field

Sergt. Joseph Belden, Jr. Salah Graves

Corp. Abel Scott Joel Scott

Drum'r Phineas Frary Elijah 5icott

Fifer Eleazer Frary John Sanderson

Zenas Field Solomon Snow^

Josiali Brown Elihu Waite

Abel Bacon Gad Waite

Simeon Morton Salah Scott
John Crafts

In Capt. Jonas Locke's company of Deerfield minute men
w'ere :

Jonathan Spafford
Abel Parker

In Capt. N. Leonard's Sunderland company we find;

Ebenezer Barnard

In Capt. Seth. Murray's Hatfield company, Col. Wood-
bridge's regiment, that marched 29 April and was out till 25
August, were the following Whately names:

Jonathan Edson
Elisha Wells

In Capt. Stebbins' company we find : Abraham Parker.
He assisted in making the redoubts on Bunker Hill and his
company was in the battle the 17th. One of the men was killed
and Capt. Maxwell was wounded, but Parker came out unin-
jured.

The other Whately men who took part in the battle of
Bunker Hill were :

Jonathan Edson Jonathan Spafford

Jonathan Edson, Jr. Elisha Wells

They also assisted in throwing up the redoubts the night
before the battle. Perhaps there were others, but our careful
search has failed to locate them.

2l8

This is an honorable record. The number of males in town,
at this date, between sixteen and sixty, was less than one hun-
dred. And you have found before a list of fifty men who volun-
teered to march at a minute's warning in defense of their char-
tered rights. And the fact deserves mention in this connection
that, from the beginning to the end of the war, Whatelv was
never deficient in her quota of men.

We however claim credit for Julius Frary, born at W'hately,
27 July, 1755. and his brother, David Frar>-, born 12 Sept.,
1747. sons of Moses Frar_\' who first built where George B. Mc-
Clelan now li\-es, and Joel Dickinson, Jr., who came to Whatelv
with his lather, Dea. Joel, but who had remo^•ed to Conway,
and Jacob \\'alker, then living in Hatfield.

Some of the companies contained father and son, as for in-
.stance, Jonathan Edson and son, Jonathan, Jr., Benjamin Smith
and his son, Roswell Smith. Some of those who started were
only out a few days and then returned, as they were not needed,
while others pulled through and served for some time, drawing
clothing in the fall. We are glad to note that five of them were
in the battle of Bunker Hill.

About this time, August, 1775, Gen. Gage had impris-
oned several outspoken whigs in the Boston jail and was
treating them as felons. Gen. Washington remonstrated and
said unless he ceased his persecution for opinion's sake, he
would retaliate, which he did by sending several naval officers
to the Hampshire Co. jail, at Northampton, where they were
held for sometime.

The artillery regiment, under Col. Thos. Crafts, was ordered
to fortify the is'ands in Boston harbor. So on the T3th of June,
1776. although the British troops had evacuated Boston, yet
their fieet la}- off the harbor, really controlling the entrance to
the port- he began with six hundred men, and the first night
finished the earthworks on one island and soon had cannon and
ammunition ready for use. This was on Moon island, Haffs
neck, etc. The next night deft-nces were thrown up on Long
island and at Xanta^ket and cannon were mounted and they
began to play on the British fleet, and the fleet left for Halifax.

After partially finishing the harbor defences, a convo}- of
English storeships sailed into the harbor, and -when all were
safely in, they were amazed to find that the army had evacuated
Boston and the fleet had been compell-^d also to give up the
blockade, and they too surrendered. The storeships were loaded

219

with war material and con\-oyed by a war ship. Its officers and
crew and some troops, in all seven hundred men, were made
prisoners.

These men. or a portion of them, were quartered in Hamp-
shire county, an:ong its se\'eral towns. Several officers were
quartered at the old red hotel in the Straits ( Whately, and one
of them, with a diamond, cut his name on a pane of glass which
Mrs. Samuel Bartlett well recollected of seeing. She was
Sophia Smith, daughter of Gad Smith of Whately. and born in
1790. She said the old red house was pulled down or bur; ed
when she was hut a young girl, but she distinctly- remembered
of seeing the name on the pane of glass and of hearing her par-
ents relate the fact of these British prisoners being quartered at
the old hotel. It is confidently claimed that some or" the
Whatelv soldiers assisted in the work of re-establishing the de-
fences in Boston harbor. This is the reason for alluding to the
fortification of the islands in Boston harbor,

The act of the British troops in marching from Boston for
the destruction of military stores, and the bloody encounters at
Lexington and Concord, virtually extinguished hope of recon-
ciliation and severed the bond which bound the colony to the
king's authoritv. And it is a matter of interest to know how a
people suddenly loosed from government restraints will conduct
themselves. The following paper will show v.-hat was the first
action of our town's people : "Whereas the law of the Province,
or the execution of it is ceased, and the constables have not had
the power to collect the rates as heretofore : These are to let
you know, as constables, that this town's committee, chosen for
that purpose, will and do protect you in the collection of those
rates that are now behind, in six weeks from this date, or the
town treasurer shall have full power to distrain on said con-
stables."

Signed, David Graves, Jr., Philip Smith, Joseph Belden,
Elisha Belden, John Crafts, Noah Wells, Oliver Graves, Benj.
Smith, Elisha Frary, Josiah Allis.

Whately, May ye 4th, 1775.

1776. Before it was known what had been the action of
the Continental congress, at a town meeting, held 6 July, 1776,
it was voted, "That in case the Continental congress shall de-
clare the colonies to be an independent state from Great Britain,
we will support the declaration with our lives and fortunes."

Previous to this, i. e., on the 25th of June, an order had

220

been issued for raising five thousand men for immediate service.
The troops from Hampshire county were destined to march to
Canada. The quota required of Whately was nine, and the fol-
lowing men enlisted :

Bacon, Philo Sanderson, Asa

Crafts, Joseph ' Scott, Phineas

Dickinson, Ebenezer Scott, Elijah

Morton, Joel Scott, Luther

Morton. Samuel G.

These men received a bounty of £- from the state, and the
town voted ^'54 "For their encouragement."

As soon as the news arrived at Boston that the united colo-
nies had declared their independence, an order was issued (10
July) for the enlistment of every twenty-fifth man in the state,
to re-enforce the northern army. The town records do not give
the names of men who answered to this call, but the following
list contains the names of all the three years enlisted and
drafted men required to fill the town's quota from 1776 to 1779,
inclusive:

Bacon, Abel Harrington, Thomas

Bardwell, Ebenezer, Jr. from Shutesbury

Belden, Joab Jones, Henry

from Northfield from ?

Blackman, Samuel Snow, Solomon

from Peru Snow, Rernice

Bragg, Joab Snow, Zephaniah

Brown, Edward Phelps, Bezaliel

Fuller, Amos from Worthington

from Peru Train, Oliver
Hawley, John

Nine Whately men and substitutes.

Oliver Morton and others (names not given) went on an
expedition to Ticonderoga sometime during this year.

The muster roll of Capt. Oliver Lyman's company in service
at Dorchester, 27 Nov., 1776. to March, 1777, contains the fol-
lowing names :

Brown, William Smith, Adna

Parker, Benjamin Smith, Phineas

Parker, Abraham Smith, Bezaliel

In Capt. Benjamin Phillip's company at Fort Ticonderoga,

221

23 Dec, 1776, to 24 Feb., 1777, were tlie following Whately
men : 1

Frary, Julius Sanderson, James

Graves, Mathew Smith, Hlisha

Pratt, Aaron, was of Deerfield, but afterwards lived in
Whately.

In Capt. Thomas French's company, expedition to Sara-
t02:a, were these Whatelv men:

Sanderson, John Smith, Elisha

Sanderson, Jan:es Graves, Simeon

Other Whately men at the surrender of Burgoyne were:

Bardwell, Ebenezer, Jr. Keyes, Stephen

Brown, William Frary, Seth

Field, Zenas Wells, Elisha
Parker, Abraham

Military stores were scarce and the several towns were
called upon to furnish their quota of blankets, shirts and stock-
ings, as well as beef and bread. In one of the first calls for
four thousand blankets, the number required of Whately was
seven. The method of collecting these was, for a committee to
go to a house and, after inquiry and examination, to decide
whether the family ought to furnish one, two or three blankets,
make the demand and pay a specified sum in the paper money
of the day. Sometimes blankets were taken directly from the
beds in use. Beef was collected by orders upon the town
authorities, and was often delivered upon the hoof.

1777. Early this year the General Court passed "An act to
prevent monopoly and oppression," in which the selectmen and
committee of safety of the several tow-ns were directed to set a
price upon all the articles usually bought and sold, and also
upon labor. "A list of several articles, with their prices, as
delivered to the town clerk of Whately, 3 March, 1777, by the
selectmen and committee of safety, by order of the Court, are
here given : Good merchantable wheat, 6s per bu. ; r\-e, 4s;
Indian corn, 2s, Sd ; barley, 4s ; beans, 6s ; peas, 6s ; potatoes, is ,
4d : oats, is, Sd ; sheep's wool, 2s per lb; flax, lod ; salt pork,
8d ; fresh pork, 4d ; beef, first quality, 3^2 d ; butter, 8d ; cheese,
6d ; men's yarn stockings, 6s; men's common shoes, 8s; wom-
en's shoes, 6s, 6d ; cider barrels, sap staves, 3s, 6d ; common
dinners, gd ; horse keeping per night, loV^d ; New England flip,
9d per mug ; shoeing horse all round, in the best manner, 6s;

222

rawhides, 3d per lb. ; raw calfskins, 6d ; tanned leather, is, 3d ;
making shoes, common sort. 3s per pair; tow cloth, yd. wide,
2s, 3d per yard; striped flannel, yd wide, 3s, 6d ; eotton and
linen cloth. 3s. 6d ; weaving tow cloth, 5d, 3! per yard ; a yoke
of oxen per day, is, 4d ; riding horse per mile, 2d ; cart or other
carriage per mile, 2d ; 2 qts. oats, 2d, 2f ; pasturing a horse per
week, IS, lod ; do. a yoke of oxen, 2s, 2d; common summer
labor, 2S, 8d per day; winter labor, 2s per day; men's board per
week, 5s, 4d ; English hay per hundred, 2s, 2d; and all other
things not mentioned, according to the common usage and cus-
tom of the town."

April 23. An order was issued for raising two battalions of
seven hundred and fifty men each, from Hampshire county, for
two months' service at Ticonderoga. A company of fifty-seven
men under Capt Salmon White, Col. David Wells' regiment,
was onX from 10 May to jo July. The Whately men in this
company appear to have been :

Smith, Elisha Lamson, John

Brown, Abijah Morton, Samuel G.

Coleman, Samuel Scott, Joseph

Field, Zenas Wells, Simeon

Morton, Joel Crafts, Reuben

Scott, Elijah Dickinson, Jehu

Wells, Perez Faxon, Jacob Allen

Crafts, Moses Parker, Benj.

Bacon, Philo ' Scott, Abel

Carey, Richard

In Capt. Seth Murray's company, expedition to Fort Ed-
ward and Moses Creek, 9 July to 12 Aug., were :

Sanderson, Thos., Lieut.
Bardwell, Noah, Lieut.
Waite, John, Sergt.
Wells, Eli.sha
Waite, Elihu
Morton, Simeon
Graves, Reuben
Belden, Paul
Graves, John
Turner, Abraham, Jr.
Waite, Joel
Frary, Seth
Crafts, Graves
Scott, Salah

Morton, Daniel, Jr.
Edson, Jona., Jr.
Wells, Lemuel
Field, Noah, Sergt.
Smith, Phineas, Corp.
Morton, Levi
Walker, Jacob
Smith, Eliiah
Graves, Salah
Smith, Roswell
Scott, Ebenezer
Belden, Paul, Jr.
Ingraham, David
Bardwell, John

223

At this time Gen. Burgoyne, in command of the British
forces, was on his victorious march from the Canadian frontier.
Ticonderoga was invested i Juh', and abandoned by Gen. St.
"Clair on the 5th; and Gen. Schuyler, then in command of the
northern army, was slowly retreating on Saratoga and the mouth
of the Mohawk. Gen. Horatio Gates was appointed 4 Aug. to
succeed Gen. Schuyler, and immediately issued a call for rein-
forcements. The march of Col. Baum on Bennington hastened
the alarm, and the whole country, though in the midst of early
harvest, turned out. The defeat of Baum by Gen. Stark, 16
Aug., will account for the short campaign made by the compa-
nies next to be mentioned.

In the muster roll of Capt. Salmon White's compan}- of
militia, that marched at the request of Gen. H. Gates, 17 Aug.,
and was discharged by orders, ig Aug., 1777, all but thirteen
were Whately men :

White, Salmon, Capt. Scott, Gad

Wells, Elisha Smith, Benjamin

Brown, Edward Bardwell. Ebenezer, Jr.

Turner, Ezra Parker, Benjamin

Graves, Israel, Jr. Wells, Lemuel. Sergt.

Crafts, Joseph Crafts, John, Sergt.

Dickinson, Abner Frary, Elisha

Smith, Gad Brown, John

Scott, Joseph, Jr. , Brown, Abijah

Coleman, Nathaniel Graves, Nathan

Sanderson, Asa Graves, Oliver

Kellogg, Joseph Morton, Samuel G.

Handy, Levi Frary, Eleazer

Smith, Adna Scott, Elijah

Crafts, Reuben Belden, Joshua

Morton, Joel Smith, Philip

White, Salmon, Jr. Allis, Russell

In Capt. Russell Kellogg's company, out from 17 to 19
Aug., on the Bennington alarm, were:

Carey, Richard Graves, .Amasa

Waite, John

In Capt. Abel Dinsmore's company, out 17 to 19 Aug.,
were :

Sanderson, James Graves, Mathew

Graves, Simeon • Sanderson, John

224

In Captain John Kirkland's company in the northern army
at Saratoga, from i6 Aug. to 14 Oct., 1777, were: ,,^

Crafts, Moses
Scott, Phineas

Wells, Simeon

Some of the W'hately men that went out at this time contin-
ued in ser\'ice through the campaign, till after the surrender of
Burgoyne, 17 Oct.

Muster roll of Capt. Salmon White's company of Massachu-
setts Ba>- militia. Col. Ezra May's regiment, in an expedition to
Saratoga, 20 Sept. to 14 Oct., 1777 :

White, Salmon, Capt.

Sanderson, Thos., Lieut.
Bardwell, Noah, Lieut.
Wells, Lemuel, Sergt.
Crafts, John, Sergt.
Frary, Eleazer, Sergt.
Graves, Martin, Corp.
Bardwell, Eben'r, Jr., Corp.
Scott, Elijah, Corp.
Wells, Elisha, Corp.
Kellogg, Joseph
Dickinson, Eben'r
Smith, Gad
Belden, Joshua
Smith, Adna
Smith, Phineas
Bacon, Philo

Graves. Nathan, Jr.
Crafts, Reuben
Allis. Russell
Scott, Gad
Brown, Abijah
Smith, John
Smith, Jona.
Handy, Levi
Ingraham, David
Graves, Oliver
Smith,- Elisha
Sanderson, Asa
Graves, Nathan
Bacon, Benjamin
Morton, Samuel G.
Turner, Ezra

Waite, Joel

In Capt. Seth Murray's company, expedition to Saratoga
and at the surrender of Burgoyne, were :

Frary. Seth Munson, Moses

Wells, Elisha sub. for Simeon Graves

sub. for Julius Allis

To show that men of means often sent some one as a substi-
tute, I will copy an agreement:

Whately, 27 Aug., 17S2. Reed, of John Crafts and Lemuel
'Wells twenty-two pounds, in a. note of hand, for which I prom-
ise to take William Giles' place, late of Whately, now in the
Continental service, and there serve the term of five months
after taking said William Giles' place. If not so ser\'e

225

the damage is the sum set forth in this obligation, which I
promise to pay.

Witness my hand,

JOHN BEMENT.

N. B. The class is to draw John's wages.

I give one more case of a substitute. In 1782 Benoni Crafts
was drafted to serve three years and, as he was well advanced
in life, he hired Oliver Waite, a son of Jeremiah, to go in his
stead, as his sons, Reuben and Asa Crafts, were much in serv-
ice. Oliver Waite was discharged for disability in the fall of
1782. Copy of settlement :

This is to certify all persons that Benoni Crafts and Reuben
Crafts have settled their rates with me for my sons going into
the army for the terra of three years, as witness my hand,

JEREMIAH WAITE.
Whately, Oct. 7, 1782.

Oliver Waite died of consumption in about eighteen months,
aged 21 years, r month, 15 days.

1778. The town voted, 8 January, to raise ^90 for four
men to engage in the service of the United States. The names
are included in the list of three years men already published.

An order of the General Court was issued 20 April, for a
levy of nine months men to complete the fifteen battalions re-
quired of Massachusetts. Under this call Whately is credited
with the following men :

Dickinson, Nathaniel
Edson, Jonathan

service not designated.

In Capt. Abner Pomeroy's company, Col. Ezra Wood's
regiment, were :

Scott, Abel, Sergt.
Carley, Samuel, Corp.

In Capt. Joseph Storrow's company, same regiment, was :

Sartle, Nathaniel, Lieut.
This regiment had headquarters at Peekskill, N. Y., Octo-
ber to February. One return is dated "Soldier's Fortune,"
N. Y.

In Capt. Woodbridge's company of new levies, for service
in Rhode Island, after 8 June, was :

Philo Bacon.

226

In Capt. Daniel Pomeroy's compan\-, Gen. Stark's com-
mand, from I July to 5 Feb., 1.779, were :

Ingraham, David
Sanderson, Isaac

In Capt. Harrow's company. Col. David Wells' regiment,
were ;

Graves, Moses
Sanderson, Isaac

1779. During this year no less than six levies of. men were
ordered by the General Court. The term of enlistment in most
cases was nine months. The fine for refusing to g;o when drafted
was from /"45 to ^^50. The pay of a soldier was ^16 per
month, in addition to the regular Continental pay, with allowance
of S6 for blanket and 6d per mile travel. In the requisition for
two thousand men to co-operate with the French allies, a bounty
of ^30 and 2s mileage was allowed, the bounty to be paid by
the town. This town voted, "To allow three men, that will en-
gage nine months in the Continental army, 40s per month —
equal to wheat at 4s a bushel — with addition of the bounty
and mileage allowed by the Court." The men who enlisted
were Samuel G. Morton, Gaidner Marcy, aged 17, and Simeon
Wells. At the same time Joseph Scott enlisted in the Hatfield
quota, and Abijah Harding and Allen Faxon in that of
Deerfield.

«

In Capt. Joseph Cook's company, in ser\nce at New Lon-
don, from 20 July to 27 Aug., were :

Scott, Abel, Sergt. Wells, Perez

Bacon, Philo Frary, Seth

Brown, Isaiah Edson, Jona., Jr.

Frary, Elisha Smith, Bezaleel

Sanderson, Asa Waite, Consider
Graves, Salah

Dr. Perez Chapin was surgeon's mate in Col. Elisha Por-
ter's regiment, at New London, from 19 July to 27 Aug. Jona.
Spafford was in the same service to 31 Aug. Aaron Pratt and
Rufus Smith were in the same service, in Capt. Abel Dinsmore's
company, to 31 Aug.

Oct. 19. The town voted, "To raise two thousand four
hundred pounds for soldiers gone and going into the army."

The condition of public affairs at the close of this and the

227

opening of the next year was gloomy and disheartening. The
season's campaign was remarkable mainly for the feebleness of
the American efforts and the indecision of the British. The
latter did little in this vicinity but plunder, ravage and burn the
defenceless towns on the seacoast. Rhode Island remained in
the hands of the enemy and, since the failure of the French tieet,
no effort had been made to get possession. Draft followed draft
in rapid succession. The soldiers received their bounties in
state bills and town notes, and their pay in Continental money,
which at the end of their term of ser^-ice. would hardly meet the
expenses of their outfit. If the father enlisted, his family must
suffer or depend on the town's charity ; if the son enlisted, his
wages would hardly sufiice to pay the state taxes.

Perhaps the burden that weighed heaviest just then in our
community was the depreciation of the currency, and the uncer-
tainty and distress which it occasioned. The first emission of
bills of credit by Congress was made in June, 1775 — the amount
first authorized was two millions of dollars. At the expiration
of eighteen months twenty millions had been issued. And near
the close of 1779, nearly two hundred millions were in circula-
tion. As their redemption depended on the ultimate result of
the war, these bills began to depreciate at an early period. By
the end of '77, the depreciation was two or three for one, in "78,
it was six for one, in '79, twenty-eight for one, in 'So, sixty for
one. An extract from Mr. Wells" account book, and some votes
copied from the records, will best give an idea of the condition
of things in this town.

1779. "Whately Town Treasurer to Rufus Wells, Dr.,

To one year's salary, from March ye ist, 1779, to March ye ist,

1780. in hard money, £']i
To providing my fire wood, 6

—£n

This year the town voted me sixteen-fold in Continental
money which, when I received it. was depreciated seventy-five
for one.

Balanced, and settled by a note from ye town for the depre-
ciation of the paper currency.

To one year's salary, from March ye ist, 17S0, to March ye ist,

1 78 1. in hard money, £li
To providing my fire wood, 6

—£l9

For this year's salary and fire wood ye town voted me the

228

nominal sum in state emission which, when I received it, was
depreciated six for one in part, and three for one in part.

Balanced and settled by a note from ye town for the depre-
ciation of the paper currency.

17S0, 6 Jan. The town chose a committee to settle with the
men that went in the service to New London and those that
went to Claverack.

May II. Voted, "To give notes on interest to those sol-
ditrs to whom the town is indebted."

\'oted, "To raise a bounty of three hundred and thirty
pounds to be paid to each soldier that shall engage in the army,
also to give each soldier three pounds per month in silver or gold,
to be paid at the expiration of his term of service of six months.
Benjamin Scott, Jr., offered to get seven hundred dollars to give
gratis to seven soldiers that should enlist."

July 3. Voted, "To make the two Continental men that
will enlist in the army equal to the seven before raised, which is,
eleven hundred dollars bounty, and three pounds per month, in
silver money." The seven men who enlisted, as above, were:
Abel Scott, aged 29 ; Oliver Graves, 19 ; Graves Crafts. 20, who
was one of the detail that stood sentry over Maj. Andre the
night before he was hung ; Philo Bacon. 22 ; Salmon White, Jr.,
19 ; Amasa Edson, 16; Abijah Brown, 28. The two were Wil
liam Giles, aged 18; Stephen Orcutt.

July 3. Voted, "To give five hundred and fifty dollars in
hand, and three pounds per month, in gold or silver, to soldiers
that will enlist for three months." Paul Harvey, aged 18, Beza-
leel Smith, 19, Elijah Smith, 18, enlisted on these terms, and
served three months at West Point.

August. An order was passed by the General Court,
authorizing the selectmen of towns to purchase blankets and
clothing for the soldiers then in the field, and the town voted to
procure the needed supply. In response to another order of the
Court, the towfi voted, "To raise three thousand six hundred
pounds to provide beef for the use of the arm}-." Committee to
purchase the beef: Lieut. Elisha Frary, Capt. Salmon White,
Dr. Perez Chapin.

Sept. 14. Voted, "To raise one hundred and seventj-seven
pounds in silver mone}', to pay the soldiers that the town is in-
debted to, for ser\'ice done or doing in the army." To whom
this vote applies is not known, but the following Whately men,
in addition to those already named, were in the service during

229

this year : Reuben Crafts and Reuben Graves, in Capt. Ebe-
■ nezer Sheldon's company, from 23 July to 10 Oct ; John Walls,
or Wallis, aged 17; Samuel Mclntire, 17; and Moses Crafts (all
credited to Whately) detached for three months service, from
Col. Israel Chapin's regiment; John Brown and Jona. Bacon,
in Capt. Adams Bailey's company, from i Jan. 17S0. to 19 Jan.,
'81. Henry Green enlisted, but who he was and whether he
was mustered in, does not appear.

1 78 1. In response to the requisition of the General Court,
for four men to enlist in the Continental army for three years,
the town paid two hundred and ninety-three pounds, seven shil-
lings, in silver, bounty money, as follows:

April, to Jonathan Bacon, sixty pounds.

May 6, to Bernice Snow, eighty-one pounds, seven shillings.

June 14, to Stephen Keyes, sixty pounds.

June 14, to Gerrish Keyes, sixty pounds.

In answer to another requisition, the town voted, "To raise
^"6 in silver money to purchase horses for the army."

Sergt. Abel Scott Avas in service this year from 6 July to
14 Dec. Elisha Belden was a member of Capt. John Carpenter's
company of guards, stationed at Springfield, and was detached
for field duty from i May to 30 Sept. In a company 01 militia.
under command of Lieut. Col. Barnaba^) Sears, in service iroiu
17 July to 8 Nov., were : Oliver Shattuck, captain : Abial Hard-
ing, sergeant; Abel Bacon and Abraham Parker, privates. The
surrender of Cornwallis, 19 October, virtually closed the war.

Some Revolutionarv' soldiers afterwards settled in Whately.
Among them was Josiah Gilbert who enlisted from Murrayfield.
now Chester, at the age of 18, in Capt. Jos. McNiell's company,
for service in Rhode Island ; was also in Capt. W'illiam Scott's
company, of six months men, from 22 Jul}-, 1780.

Dr. Francis Harwood, then of Windsor, went out first in his
father's company, probably at the age of 14. He enlisted in
Gapt. Hezekiah Green's company for service at vSaratoga, in
1781. His father, Capt. Nathan Hanvood, was born at I'x-
bridge, 1737 ; enlisted for service in the French war, 1756: was
lieutenant in Capt. William Ward's company, 1777 : captain in
command of a company that marched from Windsor to Manches-
ter, Vt., and was out from 19 t© 31 July, 1777 ; was at Saratoga
at the surrender of Burgoyne. Joseph Barnard is credited with
service at "The castle," Boslon harbor, from i April to 30
June, 1783.

230

When the colonies threw off the yoke of the British rule,
they found themselves without an acknowledged central govern-
ment and, in the emergency, the leading spirits organized them-
selves into a "Committee of safety," and called upon the towns
throughout the province to elect corresponding local commit-
tees. This measure was prompted by necessity and proved a
wise expedient. These committees were composed of the best
and most patriotic citizens. Rut the responsibility was new, and
neither its ad\-antages nor dangers were fully comprehended,
and it is not strange that having been entrusted with power,
they found it easy to magnify their office, and hard to persuade
themselves that they could err on the side of patriotism and per-
sonal liberty. Tlie same spirit of devotion to the countrA-'s wel-
fare, which prompted the order to the constables by our town's
committee, dated 4 May. 1775, ( alread}' quoted) also prompted
other similar measures equally significant and vital in their
character.

And so after the failure of the expedition against Canada in
'76, the committees of safety of thirty-eight towns in Hamp-
shire county met in convention at Northampton, 5 Feb. r777,
"For the purpose of taking into consideration the suffering con-
dition of the northern army." Among other things, the con-
vention advised the committee of supplies to forward at once
whatever was necessary for the comfort of the army, "Not
doubting that the General Court will approve thereof." It com-
mended the action of the legislatur'e in setting up courts of the
general sessions of the peace in the country, recommended to all
innholders that they refuse to entertain persons traveling unnec-
essarily on the Sabbath, and set forth a plan for securing uni-
formity of prices. In a petition to the General Court, the con-
duct of "inimical persons" in the country is severely censured — in
that they sympathize with the British, cast reflections on the
honorable Court, pay no regard to the committees of safety, use
their utmost endeavors to destroy the currency of our paper
money and to prevent the raising of new levies of men.

The doings of this convention are thus set forth in detail for
the purpose of showing how wide a range of subjects it acted
upon, and the authority it claimed for the general and local
committees of safety. The record is important also, as fore-
shadowing the part which conventions of these committees, and
other delegate conventions copied from them, were to play in
succeeding years. These committees of safety became a power

in the state, whose authority in local matters was sometimes
greater than that of the legislature, and their action was recog-
nized as binding bv the courts.

The reference above made to "inimical- persons" in the
count}' deserves notice in this connection. At the time the war
broke out, all military and civil officers held commissions
granted in the name of the king. This official relation, added
to the attachment which had always been cherished for the
mother country-, was a strong bond, especially to men who
were by nature conservative. The men of good estate plainly
foresaw that, in any event, their pecuniary interests must suffer
from the war, and human nature is always sensitive under such
a prospect.

Men differ in methods of reasoning and in judgment as
much as in character. One consults the past for his guide,
another looks at the signs of the present, and another, of san-
guine temperament, watches the promise of the future and rushes
to meet it. Under the circumstances which existed in 1775,
entire unanimity of thought and action on the part of the Amer-
ican people, would have been an anomaly in the world's history.

Actuated bv the usual varietv of motives it is not strange
that there were persons in almost every town who, from personal
interest, ol" through regard to the established government, or
fear of the failure of the attempt of the colonies for independ-
ence, stood aloof, or entered with faint hearts into the struggle.

It is not strange that there were some who were ready to
sell themselves to the highest bidder or who waited for some
decisive battle before taking sides. And it is not strange that
the ardent patriots, who had accepted the issue and had staked
their all, should make small allowance for difference of motives
and temperament, and reckon all who did not keep pace with
their bold aggressive movements as inimical to the country.

A few of our town's people were at one time suspected of
being loyalists at heart, and the town required certain specific
declarations, or test oaths, of them, which they all, it is believed,
freely took.

An incident which occurred about the middle of the war
will show the temper of the town. A man by the name of John
Trask came to Whately and built a hut on the river bank near
the outlet of Hopewell brook. No one knew his business or
intentions, and he generally kept himself aloof from society, but
in an unguarded moment he boasted that he had helped to hang

232

some Yankees who were captured by the British. The next
day. when he returned from a stroll, he found a paper nailed to
his door, on which was written, "Death to the hangman!" He
took the hint and left for parts unknown.

The expenses of the war, the depreciation of the paper
issues of money, the heavy taxation and the extent of town and
individual debts, began, two or three years before the close of
the war. to awaken a spirit of popular discontent in Massachu-
setts. Everybody was behindhand. Real estate was unsalable,
provisions and clothing were scarce and dear, the hard money
had gone for public uses, and the paper bills had lost their
credit. The soldiers came home poor and were urgent that the
town should redeem its pledges, on the strength of which they
had enlisted. Very likely the soldiers' creditors were not dis-
posed to grant them unusual indulgence, and wait for the tardy
action of the town. '

The state levied taxes, the town levied taxes and the real
estate owners were called to bear the chief burden of this direct
taxation. The commercial interest was the first to feel the
pressure of the war. and the landed interest suffered less, but
now it was reversed ; commerce began to revive at once with the
success of our arms, but the heavy taxes, scarcit}' of help and
high wages swallowed up all the farmer's resources.' He could
not conceal his farm from the assessor, the taxgatherer or the
sheriff. And this pressure upon the agricultural industry'
accounts for the distress, disorder and opposition to state taxes,
which showed itself in the central and western counties, and
ripened into open resistance. Ever>'body pleaded poverty and
put off the payment of his debts. Legal prosecutions became
frequent and oppressive. The courts were the means relied on
to compel settlements, and not unnaturally incurred odium, and
became the objects of popular vengeance.

A calm review of the situation will not find reason for sur-
prise that disturbances arose, but the wonder is that the new
state — crippled in its resources, loaded down with debts, weak-
ened by conflicting interests, and with, a financial sj^stera to
adjust, if not to devise, and a form of government to establish on
the basis of equal rights — the wonder is that the new state sur-
vived the perils of its birth.

The success of the earlier conventions of the committees of
safety indicated the most direct way of carrying out schemes for
opposing, as well as supporting, the constituted authorities.

233

Conventions, "To consult upon the subject of grievances," a
word quick to catch the popular sympathy, began to be held in
Hampshire county as early as 1781. They were made up of del-
egates chosen by the several towns, and thus had a semi-official
character. For a time these delegates were men of the highest
respectability and influence, and the meetings were moderate in
their counsels, while firm in the determination to secure what
they held to be their just rights. P>ut prudence and wisdom were
not always in the ascendant. These delegate conventions degen-
erated, and irregular conventions were held, which became the
instruments of faction and mob rule, and culminated in the Shays
rebellion.

The histon,' of one of these earlier uprisings must ser^-e as a
sample of all, and is selected because a Whately man played an
important part in it. In April, 1782, one Samuel Ely, a
deposed preacher, of Somers, Conn., got together a so-called
convention at Northampton, at the time when the Supreme
Judicial Court and the Court of Common Pleas were holding
sessions there. For an attempt to prevent the sitting of the
Court of Common Pleas and for disturbing the peace generally,
Ely was arrested, and pleading guilty to the indictment against
him, was condemned to a term of imprisonment at .Springfield.

It seems that he was an artful demagogue — though at the
time a favorite with a considerable-portion of the people — and.
watching their opportunity, a band of his friends attacked the
jail and released him. Three persons, believed to be ringleaders
in the rescue, were arrested and committed to jail in Northamp-
ton. These were: Capt. Abel Dinsmore, Lieut. Paul King
and Lieut. Perez Bardwell. And it was proclaimed that they
would be held as hostages till the body of Ely was delivered to
the sheriff. The three arrested were military men, who had seen
large service in the war, and the spirit of their old comrades in
arms was aroused, and about three hundred of their friends
assembled at Hatfield, under Capt. Reuben Dickinson as leader.
Sheriff Porter of Hadley called out twelve hundred of the
militia for the protection of the jail. After maturing his plans,
Capt. Dickinson sent three messengers, 15 June, to Northamp-
ton, with a proposition that the sheriff should send a committee
to meet him at a place one mile from the jail, in two and a half
hours from the deliver^' of the message. The sheriff declined
acceding to the demand, and the next morning Captain Dickin-
son sent the following pretty explicit note: "The demands of

234

our body is as follows: "That you bring the prisoners that are
now in jail, viz. : — Capt. Dinsmore, Lieut. King and Lieut.
Bardwell, /o>i/i7i//// . That you deli\-er up Deacon Wells' bonds
and any other that may be given in consequence of the recent
disturbance. The above men to be delivered on the parade,
now in our possession, the return to be mnde in half an hour."

For reasons which are not known, but from motives which
were approved by the state authorities, this demand was com-
plied with, and the three men were released on their parole of
honor, agreeing to deliver up the body of Samuel Eh' to the
sheriff, or in default thereof, their own bodies, on the order of
the General Court. In after years. General Porter was greatly
blamed for his conduct in this matter, but the General Court,
at its session in November, emphatically endorsed it and granted
a pardon to all concerned in the affair except Ely. It is to be
borne in mind that this outbreak was wholly an irregular pro-
ceeding, in which the towns, as such, were not concerned.

In the autumn following (29 Sept., 17S2,) a meeting of the
committees of seven of the northerly towns in the county
was held at Deerfield, "To take into consideration the deplorable
situation that the people of the county and the Commonwealth
are in, and the more deplorable situation they are soon like to
be in, b\' reason of the great scarcity of a circulating medium."
The question was also raised of dividing the count}', or fixing
upon Northampton as the single county seat, the courts beings
held up to this time at Springfield and Northampton alternately.
The latter question seemed to make a convention of the whole
county necessary, and this meeting issued a call for delegates
from the several towns to meet at Hatfield, on the 20th of Octo-
ber, at the house of Seth ^Marsh.

In response to this call, delegates from twenty-seven towns
in the county met and discussed the matter of a county seat and
the subject of both national and state debts, also the matter of
the commutation of officers' pay — the half pay for life, first
offered, having been by resolve of Congres,< commuted to a sum
equal to five years' full pay. This body was moderate in the
expression of opinions and judicious in its recommendations. It
admitted the necessity of the iuV payment of all public as well
as private debts, and urged the good people of the country, b}^
industry in their general callings, to acquire the means for the
prompt payment of all taxes, etc., but at the same time inti-
mated that in its opinion such prompt paA'ment was impossible.

235

at the rate then demanded by the government. Whateiy sent
three delegates to this convention : Sahiion White, Xoah Wells
and Benjamin Smith.

This may be taken as a sample of the numerous delegate
conventions held in the next two years. They were the com-
bined efforts of the people" struggling to maintain their dearly
bought liberties, under burdens of taxation, and the uncertain
bearing of well-meant but crude legislation. The state debt, at
this time, amounted to /,"i, 300.000. There was due the Massa-
chusetts troops alone not less than ,£"250,000. The proportion
of the Federal debt, for which this state was responsible, was
over ,£"[,500,000. The conflict of opinion between the landed
interest and the commercial interest, already alluded to. made
the adjustment of impost duties and taxation extremely difficult.

The "Tender Act," of July, 1782, passed in the interest of
private debtors, which made neat cattle and other articles a legal
tender, rather increased the evil it was intended to cure. By its
ex post facto operation and its suspension of existing lawsuits,
it complicated all questions of debt and credit.

A convention was held at the house of widow Lucy Hub-
bard, in Hatfield, 19 March, 1783. This town voted to send as
delegates, Nathaniel Coleman and Joseph Nash.

April 7, 1783. The town voted to send Noah Wells dele-
gate to a convention to be holden at Hadley the third Wednes-
day of the current month.

June 9, 1783. The town chose Capt. Henry Stiles and
Nathaniel Coleman delegates to a convention to be holden at
Springfield on the second Wednesday of June instant.

October 16, 1783. Chose Oliver Graves and John Smith
delegates to a convention to meet at the inn of Col. Seth Murray,
in Hatfield, on Monday, the 20th instant.

It might well be supposed that in times of such excitement
and conflicting interests, the citizens would attend in a body all
town meetings, and take part in the election of state ofhcers. but
it appears'to have been the reverse in Whateiy. Only a small
minority took part in the popular elections. The following
statistics are given, for the study of those who are curious to
trace out political causes and effects. The number of legal vot-
ers in town, at the time under consideration, could not have
been less than ninety. Perhaps twenty of these were in the
army, leaving seventy at home. At the first state election, 4 Sept. ,
17S0, the whole number of ballots cast for governor was seven-

236

teen. The same number of ballots was cast in '82 and '83. In
1784, the total number was fourteen; in '85, seven; in "86,
eight; in '87, nine; in '88, twenty-four.

The town voted not to send a representative to the General
Court, till 1783, when John Smith was chosen at the regular
meeting, but afterwards the vote was reconsidered.

The So-called Shays Rebellion. The causes that
led up to the defiance of the laws for the collection of debts, had
man}- justifiable reasons for the action, in part, of the people.
Money was almost an unknown commodity among the common
people. Taxes were heavy and the cash to pa}' them was only
among the wealthy classes. Those holding bills, notes or
accounts against their destitute neighbors were bringing suits
for their collection. The tax collectors were inexorable. The
poor men's cows were seized and sold for cash down, and I heard
one old gentleman say that he knew of cows being sold for twenty-
five cents each. Men who held small farms were sold out of
house and home. They asked for a stay law, but this was de-
nied them, and measures of relief were denied.

Then the wrong step was taken. They broke up the courts
and prevented in that way the immediate collection of debts.
They formed in battle array to compel the class of greed to re-
spect their rights. And here they failed, as they might have
known they would. While we do not uphold them in this last
resort, yet we can see that they had many justifiable reasons for
their course. It would have been far better to have used ballots
rather than bullets.

Mr. Temple says: "The town records are nearly silent on
the subject." This is so : A great majority of our people were
participants in the overt acts or real sympathizers with them,
and as a result many men left the town and state. When Mr.
Temple says : "Probably a part of those 'warned out of town'
in 1791 were of this class, and the town took this method to
show its displeasure at their course." Really, he knew better
than this, for elsewhere he says: "It was only a measure to
prevent them from becoming in any way chargeable in the event
of pauperism."

One of our citizens, Jacob Walker, was killed in a skirmish
at Bernardston, 16 Feb., 1787, by Captain Jason Parmenter.
"He and Walker both raised their guns, took deliberate aim and
fired simultaneously and Walker fell mortally wounded."

The town furnished various supplies in 1787 for the commis-

237

sary department of the state : Sixty-six pounds of beef, seventy-
six pounds of pork, ninety-seven pounds of bread, one bushel
of peas and three different quantities of New England rum:
The first, thirty-two and a half gallons ; the next, thirt}^ one
and five-eighths gallons ; and then, thirty-six and one-fourth
gallons; in all, one hundred and three-eights gallons of rum.
What a commentary on the advocates of law and order.

Three men who had fought valiantly in the Revolutionary
army, Capt. Abel Dinsmore of Conway, Lieut. Perez Bardwell
of Whatelv and Lieut. Paul King were selected as hostasres for
the delivery of Elder Ely of West Springfield, who had been
active in fomenting rebellion, and they were confined in the jail
at Northampton, contrary to the terms agreed upon. The result
was that a mob collected and demanded the release of the hos-
tages. But the sheriff had collected a strong guard to prevent
the deliver\% and men who had stood shoulder to shoulder in
the ranks of the Revolutionary army were bound to release their
comrades. But this ended in more talk than the use of ^un-
powder.

Later, three Revolutionary officers, Capt. Dickinson of
Hatfield, Capt. Stiles of Whately, and another officer from Wil-
liamsburg, with a two-horse sled and some straw, drove to
Northampton and called upon the jailer to release the hostages.
This he declined to do, when Capt. Dickinson turned to Capt.
Stiles and ordered him to bring up a section of artillery and bat-
ter down the prison door. He started, but just then the jailer's
courage failed him, and he gave up the hostages and they were
speedily conveyed to places of safety.

Lieut. Perez Bardwell soon became an inhabitant of New-
York state and Whately lost a valuable citizen. We had some
abandoned farms in consequence of the farms being sold off to
pay small debts that the owners could not raise money to pay.
These were either added to the purchasers' farms or speedily
turned into pastures. So we account for many abandoned
farms.

The Draft. As I differ widely from the statement of Mr.
Temple I will give an account of the matter as recorded in the
Book of Records kept by the company, which is in my posses-
sion, going back to the May training, 3 May, 1814.

"As the company was, commanded by Capt. Lucius Graves,
it consisted of three commissioned officers, eight non-commis-
sioned officers, forty-six privates, fifty-one muskets, fifty bayo-

238

nets, fifty cartridge boxes, fifty iron rammers, fifty scabbards
and belts, 150 flints, forty-nine wires and brushes, thirty-nine
knapsacks, one rifle with equipments, five men absent."

May 19. A company training, attended at eight o'clock in
the morning, four absent men.

Sept. 10, 1 8 14. Agreeable to regimental orders of the 9th
instant, the following men were detached from this company
and ordered to march on the 12th :

Sanderson, Elijah, Ens'n Wells, Israel

Smith, Phineas Allis, Daniel, Jr.

Dickinson, Giles Allis, Harris

Gunn, Levi Smith, Ashley

Waite, Joel, 4th Jenney, Reuben

Leonard, William Bunce, Richard

Crafts, Thomas Waite, Enos

After reading the order for furnishing one ensign and eleven
men, the captain ordered the music to march around for volun-
teers. Sergt. I'hineas Smith and Thomas Crafts fell in as vol-
unteers. The captain then ordered the draft to commence.
The company was divided into nine squads and each squad was
to furnish one man. This was done by drawing lots and the
quota was soon filled. Some substitutes were furnished at once
and "others later. Daniel McCoy went in place of Levi Gunn
and Isaac Marsh went later for Thomas Crafts who was called
home on account of the sickness and death of one of the family.

Then politics ran pretty high. My uncle, Capt. Lucius
Graves, was a violent Federalist while my father was always a
Democrat and, of course, a warm supporter of James Madison.
To show the feeling that animated partisans I will quote a co\i-
ple of short articles from a copy of the Hampshire Gazette, the
first, printed under date of 30 Nov., 1814, says : "On or before
the fourth of July, if James Madison is not out of office, a new
form of government will be in operation in the eastern section of
the union. Instantly after, the contest in many of the states will
be whether to adhere to the old or join the new government.
Like every thing foretold years ago and which is verified even.--
day, this warning will also be ridiculed as visionary. Beit so.
But Mr. Madison cannot complete his term of sennce if the
war continues. It is not possible and, if he knew human nature,
he would see it."

Feb. 8, 1815. The Gazette had the following announce-

^39

ment : "Peace I Peace! ! From our heart we congratulate our
readers that the wanton, wicked and disastrous conflict into
which the infatuated rulers of this -ill-fated country," etc., etc.

As a further fact, showing the partisan feeling that per-
vaded the town and all that region, "At a meeting of the com-
pany to choose officers 26 April, 1813, Thomas Crafts was
chosen captain. He w-as a private, and his brother-in-law was
lieutenant and the authorities refused to commission him, and
in Sept., 1S13, Lieut. Lucius Graves was commissioned as cap-
tain." My father was often called captain, but to me it seemed
to be a misnomer. These facts are from the company records
which I have. Then I fully understood the matter.

The War of 1S12. This war was unpopular with the
majority of the people in the western part of the state. Public
sentiment in this town was about equally divided, though a ma-
jority was on the side of the opposition.

To secure concert of action, steps were taken, soon after the
declaration of war, by the towns of the three river counties hav-
ing Federal majorities, to hold a convention at Northampton,
Delegates from ftfty-seven towns met there 14 July, 1S12.
Phineas Frar\' was sent from Whately.

The convention recommended the appointment of county
and town committees of safety and correspondence, the calling
of a state convention to be composed of four delegates from each
county, and adopted a memorial to the President of the United
States, and a set of twenty-one resolutions, setting forth in
explicit terms the views of the members and their constituency.
The fact is recited that the basis of the Federal Union, is the
common interest of all, and that that Union is endangered by
sectional and partial legislation. The government is charged
with deviating from the course pursued by Washington in his
intercourse with foreign nations, with sacrificing vital interests,
with aggravating the wrongs received from Great Britain, and
palliating those committed by France, with declaring an unjust
and unnecessary war in opposition to the opinions and interests
of a vast majority of the commercial states. It is denied that
Congress has power to call out the militia, except "To execute
the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections and repel inva-
sions."

The governor of Massachusetts, Cabel Strong, was in full
sympathy with the views expressed by this convention, and
declined to order out the state troops on a requisition from the

iS40

war department. The grave questions involved in this conflict
between the state and the Federal authorities, and their bearing
on the party politics of the da}', need not be recited here. As a
consequence of Governor Strong's position, the United States
troops were withdrawn from Massachusetts, and the entire coast
was left exposed to hostile invasion. In this emergency, early
in the fall of 1814, the governor called out the chartered compa-
nies and made a requisition for troops to be drafted from the
state militia.

In answer to this call, the Whately Rifle Greens, under
command of Capt. Amos Pratt, marched 15 Sept., 18 14, for a
three months' campaign. They were stationed, most of the
time, "On the South Boston shore opposite Fort Independence,"
and were attached to the battalion in command of Maj. William
Ward of Worthington. The company was discharged 28 Oct.

Muster roll of the Whately Rifle Greens, who went to Bos-
ton, Sept., 1S14 :

Pratt, Amos, Capt.
Parker, Asa, Lieut.
Graves, Pliny, Ensign
Loomis, Jona. C, Sergt.
Graves, Perez, Sergt.
Woods, Martin, Sergt.
The other not indicated.
Reed, Simeon, drummer
Morton, Sylvester, fifer
Bartlett, Samuel, bugler
Adams, Jona. S.
Belden, Joseph
Bodman, Theophilus
Carley, Samuel
Dixon, John
Graves, William
Graves, Rowland
Graves, Justus
GraveS; John
Graves, Reuben
Graves, Charles
Graves, Oliver
Gillette, Jona. A.
Hannum, Henry

Hannum, Spencer
Hillman, Erastus
Hubbard, Erastus
Ingraham, Quartus
Larrabee, Benjamin
Loomis, William
Morton, Arnold
Morton, Calvin
Munson, John
Nash, Phineas
Phelps, Edward
Sanderson, Samuel
Smith, Horace
Smith, Justin
Smith, Chester
Smith, Robert
Starks, Justus
Starks, Willard
Stearns, John
Train, Roswell
Taylor. Otis
Woods, Jonathan
Wade, Amasa, Jr.
Warner, Luther

241

Four Whately men who served in the army in the war of
18x2-16 — in the regular government troops:

1. Aaron Waite, son of Landlord Joel Waite, enlisted for
three years, or during the war, and served on the northern
frontier. He died on his journey home, in 18 15, when within
thirty or forty miles of his home, aged thirty-five years.

2. Chester Nash was a son of Joseph. What became of
him I do not know, but think that he returned from his service
in the army.

3 and 4. Michael and Alvin Smith were sons of Philip and
Rebecca (Tower) Smith of Whately. After his return, Michael
was drowned while working at boating at or near Warehouse
Point, Conn., 17 May, 1S21. They enlisted at Amherst, and a
few incidents relating to this are worthy of reciting. Michael
was over to Amherst and, after imbibing as much flip as he
could well carry, he became very patriotic and enlisted. As he
failed to come home, Alvin went to see what the trouble was.
Then he tried to have the recruiting officer give him up, but he
objected, so to win his good graces, he asked the officer to drink
with him. The result was, that after a series of drinks, Alvin
also became ver\' patriotic and enlisted. In a day or two, their
father found out that they had both enlisted and he went to
Amherst and demanded his sons, as they were under age. The
wily official didn't like to give them up, so to placate the wrath
of the father, he asked him to take a friendly glass with him
and followed it up with other friendly glasses, until the father
also became so patriotic that he enlisted. The next day the
officer talked over the situation and told the older Smith he
could go home, but he must let the boys go. To this the father
assented and he w^ent home.

The Rebellion of 1861-1865. Of the interest taken by
Whately in this struggle, perhaps it is sufficient to say, that the
town promptly filled her quota under each and every call for
troops. The number that enlisted under the call for nine
months men was twenty-eight; the number of enlisted men and
recruits, under the various calls tor three years men, was seven-
ty-five ; reducing the nine months service to its equivalent in
three years service, the total number of three years men credited
to Whately is eighty-two.

The men who enlisted during the first year of the war ap-
pear to have received no bounties. Those that went out in 1862
on the nine months service received each $100 as bounty

242

money, and the town paid Sioo, or $125, to most of the volun-
teers after this date. The total sum paid by the town for en-
listed men and recruits, under all calls, was $12,100.

As the whole business of enlistment and drafting was under
the exclusive control of the United States provost marshal, the
state archives furnish no data by which the quota of the towns,
under the severals calls, can be ascertained. And as during the
last years of the war, recruits were obtained without regard to
residence, and by sharp competition, it often happens that men
are wrongly credited, hence the difficulty in getting reliable
statistics.

The list of soldiers, here given, is made up from the minutes
kept by the selectmen of the town, and from the records col-
lected by the adjutant general of the state. It is believed to be
substantially correct.

Nine months men from Whately who served in the 52d Reg.
Infantry, M. Y . M. Companies D, G, H and I were mus-
tered in II Oct., 1S62, and discharged 14 Aug., 1S63:

Xiime. Age. Date of Enlistment. Company.

Charles M. Elder, 24 Aug. 27, 1862 D

Charles A. Macomber,- '19 " G

Chester G. Crafts, Corp. 31 Sept. 8, 1S62 D

Luther Crafts, 30 " D

Edwin M. Belden, 1st Sergt. 31 " D

Henry C. Belden, 24 " D

James A. Crump, post stew'd 43 " I

Stephen R. Harvey, 37 " D

Edward E. Smith, 24 " D

William F. Rhoads, 37 " D

Bela K. Crafts, 20 " D

Asa A. Smith. Sergt. 29 Sept., 1862 D

Sumner W. Crafts, 21 " D

William D. Adams, 29 " I

Josiah H. Potter, 22 " I

Charles B. Newton, 18 " D

Ira N. Guillow, 20 " I

John N. Miner, 23 " D

Albert S. Fox, 25 " D ,

Elbridge G. Smith, 22 " D

Samuel S. Smith, 39 " D

Lorenzo Z. Payne, 19 " D

Died Baton Rouge, La.. Jan. 20, 1763.

William A. Pearson, 24 Sept. 17, 1862 I

Joseph L. Longly, 38 muster'dOct. 11, 1862 D

Henry Lj'man, 27 " D

Died Baton R(^uge, La., May 2, 1863.

George M. Crafts, Corp. 27 " ' H

Francis G. Bardwell, 20 " I

243

John Brown, aged 42, enlisted Sept., 1S62, in Co. H, Eighth
Regiment Infantry.

Three years men who served in Co. C, 27th Reg. M. V.:

Irving B. Crafts. iS, enl. 24 Sept., '6r, dis. 31 Mar., 63, 'sickness.

\Vm. McCoy, 30. enl. 23 Aug., '61, dis. 30 May, '63, sickness.

Arthur A. Waite. 20, enl. 15 Mar., '62, d. Portsmouth, N. C,
27 Jan., '63.

Bartholomew O'Connell, 19, enl. iS Sept., '61, prom, to rst
Sergt., 12 June, '63, discharged to re-enlist 23 Dec, '63.

Bartholomew O'Connell, 21, re-enl. 24 Dec, '63, killed Kings-
ton, N. C, 8 Mar., "65, was in command of his company
when killed.

Patrick Murphy, 30, enl. 24 Sept., '61, dis. 30 Aug., '63, disa-
bility.

Patrick Murphy, 32, re-enl. i Dec, '63, died Andersonville, Ga.,
16 Mar., '65.

Andrew M. Wetherell, 22, enl. 24 Sept., '61, died Anderson-
ville, Ga., 20 Aug.

Three years men who served in the 21st Reg. Inf. M. V.:

Charles R. Crafts, 2r, enl. 23 Aug., '61, in Company G, dis-
charged I Jan., '64, expiration of service.

Charles R. Crafts, 24, re-enl. 2 Jan., '64. in Company G, dis-
charged 12 Aug., '64, disability.

James L. Waite, 21, enl. 12 Mar., '62, in Co. I, deserted.

John Huxley, 24, enl. 3 Mar., '62, in Co. I, dis. 15 Mar., '64.

John Huxley, 26, re-enl. 15 Mar., '64, in Co. I, transf. to 36th
Reg., transf. to 56th Reg., dis. 12 July, '65, expiration of
ser\'ice.

David Amell, 18, enl, 7 Mar., '62, in Co. F, d. 23 Aug., "62.
' James Lyndon, 19, enl. 26 Feb., '64, in Co. I, transf. to 36th
Reg., tran.sf. to 56th Reg., dis. 12 July, '65, expiration of
service.

Three years men who served in the 37th Reg. Inf. M. V.:

Chauncey Waite, 33, enl. 21 July, '62, Co. F, died of wounds.
Wilderness, Va., 27 June, '64.

Charles S. Bardwell, Sergt., 26, enl. 22 July, '62, Co. F, prom.
2d Lieut. 20 June, '63, rst Lieut. 15 May, '64, acting Capt.,
Sept., '64, died at Winchester, W. Va., 6 Oct., '64, of
wounds received in battle 19 Sept.

Stephen G. Stearns. 21, enl. 22 July, '62, Co. F, dis. 21 June.
'65, expiration of service.

Nehemiah J..Tilden, 42, enl. 22 July, '62, Co. K, died at White
Oak Swamp, Va., 28 Dec, '62.

Henry Amell, 23, enl. 22 July, '62, Co. F, dis. 21 June, '65, ex-
piration of service.

Luther G. Steams, 28, enl. 22 July, '62, Co. F, dis. 21 June,
'65, expiration of service.

244

Samuel E. Sanderson. iS, enl. 22 July, '62, Co. F, dis. 21 June,

'65, expiration of service.
Ernest A. Allis, 19, enl. 22 July, '62, Co. F, dis. 10 Mar., '63,

sickness.
John F. Pease, 21, enl. 21 July, '62, Co. F, dis. 21 June, '65,

expiration of service.
Edgar W. Field, 18, enl. 21 Juh', '62, Co. F, died Anderson-

ville, 15 Aug., '64.
Edward E. Sanderson, 24, enl. 21 July, '62, Co. F, dis. 9

June, '65.
Orange Bardwell, 19, enl. 23 July, '62, Co. F, killed, battle of

the Wilderness, \'a., 6 ^lay, '64.
Austin A. Waite, 19, enl. 23 July, '62, Co. F, dis. 21 June, '65,

expiration of ser\'ice.
Frederick A. Farley, Sergt., 30, enl. i Aug., '62, Co. F, prom.

2d Lieut., 21 May, '65, dis. i July, '65.
Robert Brown, 18, enl, 10 Nov., '63, Co. F, transf. to 2otb Reg.

Inf., 21 June, '65, dis. 28 July, '65.
Charles H. Walker, 18, mustered 23 Nov., '63, Co. H, dis. 2

May, '65, disability.
Henry M. Wood, 20, mustered 9 Oct., '64, unassigned, dis. 28,

Aug., '65, expiration of ser\nce. x

Three years men who served in the loth Reg. Inf. M. V. :

William A. P. Foster, 24. enl. 17 Aug., '61, Co. C, transf. to
37th Reg., dis. 31 Aug., "64, expiration of service.

Dwight Morton, 33, enl. 13 July, '63, Co. C.

Frank D. Bardwell, 20, enl. 28 Aug., '62, Co. H, dis. i July,
'64, expiration of ser\-ice. Had arm shattered in first day's
fight in the Wilderness, Virginia.

Three 3'ears men who served in the 17th Reg. Inf. M. V.:

Henry R. Sanderson, 21, enl. 11 April, '62, Co. G, dis. 5 Sept.,

'62, disability.
Wm. T. Parks, Sergt., 26, mustered 17 Nov., '64, Co. D, dis.

22 July, '65.

Three years men who served as indicated :

Sylvester R. Walker, 40, enl. 20 Nov., '61, Co. C, 31st Reg.

Inf., dis. 31 Aug., '63, disability.
Henry R. Sanderson, Corp.. re-enl. 18 Feb., '64, Co. C, 57th

Reg. Inf., dis. 3 Dec, '64, disability.
Henr}- D. Smith, 21, enl. 8 Aug., '62, Co. G, ist Mass. Cavalry,

dis. 31 Oct., '64, expiration of service.
William A. Pearson, enl. 12 Nov., '63, Co. C, ist Mass. Heavy

Art., transf. to Navy, 28 April, '64.
Foster Meekins, Sergt., 31, enl. 22 Jan., '62, Co. F, 34th Reg.

Inf., dis. 16 June, '65, expiration of service.
Dwight L. Dickinson, 19, enl. 31 July, '62, Co. G, 34th Reg.

Inf., dis. 16 June, '65, expiration of service.

-45

Alonzo J. Hale, 26, enl. 4 Jan., "64, 5th Battery Light Art., dis.

12 June, '65. expiration of service.
Samuel S. Smith, 40, re-enl. 25 June, "64, Co. E, 57th Reg. Int..

dis. 30 July, '65, expiration of service.
John Brown, 43, re-enl. 25 Jan., '64, Co. E, 57th Reg. Inf., d.

Andersonville, Ga., 12 Oct., '64.
Franklin E. Weston, 21, enl. 22 Nov., '6r, Co. B, 31st Reg.

Inf., dis. 22 Nov., '64. expiration of sen'ice.
William R. Waite. 24, enl. 5 Jan., '64, Co. B, 32d Reg. Inf.,

killed. Petersburg, \'a., 18 June, '64.

Three j-ears men, recruits credited to Whately, whose place of
birth and residence are unknown :

James Barrett, 38, enl. 21 July '64, 2Sth Reg. Inf. M. V.
Alfred Micollete, 21, enl. 21 July, '64, 28th Reg Inf. M. \'.
William Whiting, 21. enl. 8 Oct., '64, Co. B, 55th Reg. Inf. M.

\'., dis. 29 Aug.. '65. expiration of service.
John Doherty, 42, enl. 12 Jan., '64, Co. E, 56th Reg. Inf. M.

v., died at Boston, lo Feb., '64.
James Anderson, 21, enl. 25 Feb., '64, Co. K. 56th Reg. Inf. 'Si.

v.. dis. 4 Sept., '65, disability.
Charles W. Ellis, 19, enl. 25 Feb., '64, Co. K. 56th Reg. Inf.

M. v., dis. 16 June. '65.
Jacob Nelson, 24, enl. 25 Feb., '64, Co. K, 56th Reg. Inf. M.

\'., dis. 15 June. '65.
William Tassell, 24. enl. 25 Feb., '64. Co. K, 56th Reg. Inf. M.

\'., deserted 20 April, '64.
Joseph Perro. 23, enl. 10 Feb., '64, Co. I, 57th Reg. Inf. M. \'.,

dis. 30 July, '65, expiration of service.
John Ryan, 28,' enl. 30 Nov., '64, Co. D, 24th Reg. Inf. M. \'.,

dis. 20 Jan., '66, expiration of service.
David Sheilds. 18, enl. 3 June, "64, Co. I, 19th Reg. Inf. M. \'.,

dis. 30 June, '65, expiration of service.
James Prince, 19, enl. 30 June, '64, Co. G, 20th Reg. Inf. M.

v., dis. 12 June, '65.
Thomas Doody, 20, enl. 30 June, '64, Co. I, 20th Reg. Inf. M.

v., died of wounds, i Oct., '64.
Lewis Rushey, 20, enl. 13 July, '64, Co. K. 20th Reg. Inf. M.

\'., dis. 28 July, '65, expiration of service.
Charles Williams, 25, enl. 31 Oct., '64, 15th Battery IJght Art.,

deserted i Jan., '65.
Charles Toomey. 3U enl. 26 Aug., '64, Co. B, 2d Reg. Heavy

Art., dis. 26 June, '65, expiration of service.
George Shannon, 19, enl. 30 Dec, '63, Co. D, 2d Reg. Cavalry,

deserted 23 Feb., "65.
Julius Schneider, 23, enl. 2 Jan., '64, 2d Reg. Cavalr\'.
Anton Braun, 2)3, enl. 19 Feb., '64, 3d Reg. Cavaln.-, deserted

May, '64.
Richard F. Stanton, 25, enl. 29 Jan., '64, Co. B, 5th Reg. Cav-
alry, dis. 31 Oct., '65, expiration of ser\'ice.

246

John Stewart, 26, enl. 29 Jan., '64, Co. B, 5th Reg. Cavalry,

deserted 20 Maj', '64.
Frank Strothers, 24, enl. 24 Feb.. '64, Co. F, 5th Reg. Cavalry,

dis. 31 Oct., '65, expiration of ser\nce.
Robert Robinson, 25, enl. 20 Oct., '64, 5th Reg. Cavalry.
John Choiswell, 41, enl. 25 Oct., '64. Veteran Reserve Corps.
James B. Kennedy, 20, enl. 31 Oct., '64, Veteran Reser\'e Corps.
Charles Robinson, 20, enl. 21 Oct., '64, \'eteran Reserve Corps.
Thomas McDonald, 22, enl. 14 June, '64, 27th Reg. Inf. M. V.

Names of Whately men who were in service as indicated.
Most of them enlisted from other states, but they deserve a
place in our annals :

Moses W. Jewett, enl. for three years. 20 Aug.. '61, in Co. B,
6th Conn. Vol., transf. 22 Feb.. '63, to Co. D, ist U. S.
Art. ; re-enl. for three years, 4 Feb., '64, dis. 4 Feb., '67,
expiration of service. Was in twenty-five engagements, be-
ginning at Hilton Head, S. C, and ending q April. '65,
with the surrender of Gen. Lee.

Henr}' A. Brown, Sergt., 24, enl. for three years from Northamp-
ton. 21 June, '61, in Co. C, loth Mass. Reg. Inf., prom. 2d
Lieut., 29 Sept., '62.

Frederick R. Brown. 30, enl. for three years from Boston, 3
Nov., "63, in Co. G, 12th Mass. Reg. Inf., died Culpepper,
Va,, 17 Jan., '64.

Francis C. Brown, enl. from Rockford, Winnebago Co., 111., in
Co. G, 74th 111. Reg. Inf.

James E. Brown, enl. in Co. C, 93d Reg. Ohio Inf., sei^ved three
years. Was taken prisoner, escaped, was re-taken, and
held eighteen months at Andersonville, Ga., and Florence.

Henry A. Dickinson, 21, enl. for nine months from Hatfield,
II Oct., '62, in Co. K, 52d Reg. Mass. Inf., died Baton
Rouge, La., 22 March, '63.

Oscar F. Doane, 23, enl. for two years, 21 May, '61, from
Gaines, N. Y., Co. H, 27th Reg. N. Y. Vols., dis. 31 May,
'62, re-enl. for three years, 14 Dec, '63, Co. C, 8th Reg.
N. y. Heavy Art., killed on the picket line in front of
Petersburg, Va., 22 Nov., '64.

Lucius AUis, 21, enl. for three years, 23 Feb., '65, from Marl-
boro, in Co. C, 31st Reg. Mass. Inf., died, Mobile, Ala., 23
June. '65.

Dwight W. Bardwell, 21, enl. for three years from Deerfield, 8
Oct., '63, Co. F, 2d Reg. Mass. Heaw Art., died 7 Dec,
'64, Newbern, N. C.

Wells Clark, 18, enl. for three years, from Hatfield, 26 Dec,
'6r, in Co. G, 31st Reg. Inf. M. V., re-enl. 17 Feb., '64,
died of wounds, 23 May, '64, New Orleans, La.

Alvah S. Frary, 18, enl. '62, died 23 July, '63, at Vicksburg.

A list of recuits, mostly colored men, to fill our quota at Boston :

HI

Henry R. Egtion,
Duncan R. Morrill,
James Stanton,
Alexander Ross,
William Hill.
Ambrose McKenna,
William M. Shaw,
Edward Coburn,
James Gorman.
John Stewart,
William Hill.
Alexander McDonald.

6th Reg.,

colored.

5th Cavalr\'.
I St Battery Heavy Artillery.

59th Reg.'

These men cost the town from $125 to $175 each, the latter
sum being paid for the larger proportion of them; and nine
other men. previously mentioned, enlisted on the same terms.

CHAPTER XIII.

LOCAL INDUSTRIES.

The ineclianical industries of every locality are always im-
proved where suitable facilities are furnished for water power.
This seems to be the most natural and easily acquired source
for the encouragement of mechanical work of all kinds, and our
early settlers seemed to fully appreciate the advantages to them
of the proper improvement of the town by utilizing the several
privileges afforded for the erection of mills on the West brook.

This stream rises in Conway and enters Whately at its ex-
treme northwestern limit and runs through the western part of
the town in a southeasterly direction until it falls into the Capa-
wong, or jSIill river, some fifty rods east of Chestnut Plain
street. In this distance, of some over three and a half miles, it
falls nearly, or quite, 350 feet, and in this distance fourteen
privileges have been improved first and last, while other oppor-
tunities exist that have never been improved. Those that have
been used are said to average seventeen feet fall. The largest
fall is at the one we designate as No. 13, where a forty feet fall
is obtained, and if this was conveyed by a conduit pipe to the
level, a fall of 125 feet, at least, could be obtained.

This stream is formed by the union of Aver}- brook, the
western branch, and Sinkpot brook, the eastern branch, a half
mile or so in Conway and from there it takes the name of West
brook. Into it flow a number of smaller brooks and man^^
small runs furnished by springs. The largest of these brooks
has long been known as Harve^^'s brook. This rises in Wil-
liamsburg and is of such magnitude as to afford considerable

249

water power. Mr. Harvey used it for years in his mill, or shop,
where he carried on quite a business. Other brooks come in
from Williamsburg way, while on the north side we have Todd's
brook and Poplar Hill brook, both rising in Conway and flow-
ing southerly unite with West brook. On Poplar Hill brook
old Mr. Moses Munson and his son, Joel Munson, built a mill,
or shop, where they manufactured cider mill machinery of wood,
consisting of the needed screws and beam for pressing and the
nuts for grinding the apples, and many other articles, as cheese
presses, chairs, coffins, etc. The hills bordering the West
brook, which form its water shed, are somewhat steep and this
causes, in times of heavy rains, sudden rises or the water and
sometimes damage.

Beginning up the stream, the following is the list of the
several privileges that have been occupied and, as near as may
be, the dates when first occupied and the purpose, or use, con-
templated and, as far as we can, the subsequent owners. The
numbers prefixed are arbitrary and are used for the sake of con-
venience in referring to them :

No. I. A sawmill was built by Dexter Morton, south from
the house of Rufus D. Waite some fifty rods, on the Dry Hill road,
about 1S30. At'ter the death of Mr. ^Morton, the farm was sold
off in sections and the mill property was purchased by Elliot A.
Warner.

No. 2.^ On the West brook, Reuben Jenney and his son,
Reuben, Jr., bought 26 May, 1S16, this privilege where had
long been carried on the blacksmith business, with a trip ham-
mer attachment, by James Cutter, but who built it I do not
know. For many years Elisha A. Jenney, son of Reuben, Jr.,
has used it for wood turning.

No. 3. This is not on West brook, but a tributary- of West
brook that comes down from Williamsburg, often called Har-
vey's brook. On this Elihu Harvey built a large shop that had
been used for various purposes, for the manufacture of broom
handles, brush handles and a variety of wood turning, garden
rakes, saw-sets, etc. Then for a husk mill and, after the death
of the Han'ey family, Lieut. Oscar W. Grant bought and used
it as a repair shop. It was burned in 1883.

No. 4. A mill was built on the Harvey brook, near the
house of Elisha A. Jenney, but then owned by Ashley
Smith. Here, about 182S or '29, Hiram Smith carried
on the manufacture of many implements of iron and steel ma-

250

chinist tools, etc. This was afterwards used by Thomas Nash
to manufacture satinet cloth. It was burned about 1850 and
never rebuilt.

No. 5. This was occupied long before Jonathan Waite owned
it. Who built it I do not know, but Nathaniel Moore and his
son, John, manufactured spinning wheels and many other arti-
cles here as early as 1792. As Capt. Seth Bardwell's mother
was a daughter of Nathaniel Moore, and as Capt. Bardwell well
knew of his grandfather's ownership, he must have written up
these industries for Mr. Temple. The Moores sold out to Pliny
Merrick, the clothier, 22 Jan., 1795, also a house known as the
Elijah Sanderson house. In 1823, Capt. Seth Bardwell bought
it and carried on cloth dressing until 1829, when he commenced
manufacturing woolen cloth, with power looms, starting with
four. He sold, in 1S33, to the Nashes. It has long been owned
by Sumner Smith and his heirs, and used for the manufacture
of cabinet ware and cane. On the south side of the brook, at
No. 5, Nathan Starks had a blacksmith shop, with a power
trip hammer, after him James Cutter, then Solomon Graves and
another, whose name I don't recall. Elijah Sanderson had
wood turning, making wagon hubs, broom handles, and doing
a general wheelwright business. Nathan Starks probably occu-
pied his blacksmith shop here as early as 1784, or earlier. He
removed to Williamsburg about 18 16.

No. 6. A sawmill was built about 1765 by Edward Brown
and sons. About 1792, Lieut. Noah Bardwell, Asa Sanderson
and Moses Munson, Jr., bought the property and run it for the
sawung of lumber. Later Rufus Sanderson owned it, then
Luther Sanderson, then Charles E. Bardwell and now, I think,
Arthur A. Atkins is operating it.

>ro. 7. Moses Munson, Jr.. built a gristmill here as early
as 1784, and had a shop in which he manufactured a variety of
wooden implements such as vises, cheese presses, chaise springs
and other materials. In 1806, Dea. James Smith bought the
property, and the gristmill was run until about 1830. An addi-
tion was built and the power was used in the manufacture of
bits, gimlets and similar goods, for about ten years, employing
ten or twelve hands. Since then his son, J. R. Smith, has put
in a planing machine and used the plant for general jobbing
work. In 1875, Asa T. Sanderson bought the property and C.
A. Covin manufactured basket rims and, while thus occupied,
the old mill was burned.

251

i^o. S. About twenty or twenty-five rods down the stream,
Capt. Amos Pratt built a clothier's shop before rSoo. The ma-
chinery was moved, about 1S29, up to No. 5. Since then the
power has not been used. It has always been claimed that the
first wool carding and rolls in town were made at this place.
This was a great improvement, as. ever\- housewife spun her
yarn for all her household wants. The statement that it was
moved to No. 5, I have some doubts about, as I well recollect that
when Justin R. Smith was married, he lived from 1S31 to about
1837 in that old mill, altered into a house. It is probable that
Capt. Seth Bardwell bought and moved the machinery to Xo. 5.
It seems as though the building was wrecked at the time of a
great freshet and then pulled down.

No. 9. Luther Warner, an uncle of Elliot A., built a mill,
in 1824, on the line of the new road built up the brook. He
probably built his house and mill about 1S27. The mill was
used for several years for the manufacture of carpenters' bits
and augers. Then it passed into the hands of Samuel B. White.
In J 849, George C. Holden hired the mill of Mr. White and
made woolen yarn and satinet cloth, and then Davis Graves, a
great-grandson of Dea. Nathan Graves, rented the property and
made woolen cloth. It is now owned by Charles A. Covill,
who runs a sawmill and makes rims for a Northampton basket
factor\-.

N'o. 10. In 1S33, Capt. Seth Bardwell, in company with
Levi Bush, Jr., and David Wells, built a woolen mill on this
privilege. It had ten looms. This was burned in 1S39, and
Capt. Bardwell rebuilt the factory and run twenty looms. This
fell into the hands of Henry L. James, who operated it until it
was burned in March, 1872, and has never been rebuilt.

No. II. Lieut. Noah Bardwell built an oil mill, about
1780, which was used for this purpose until about 1805, when a
flax dressing machine was put in. Aside from this, some iron
casting was done here, probably by Charles Bardwell, a son of
Lieut. Noah Bardwell, before his removal to Stafford, Conn.
A new building, owned by Capt. Seth Bardwell, was built near
the site of the oil mill and rented to a firm for making fine cut
tobacco. They used Kentucky tobacco. Then Capt. Bardwell
made wool yarn, and then fitted it up to make files and to cut
over old ones. It was burned in 1877.

No. 12. Kiram Smith first occupied this privilege about
1848, where he had lathes for wood turning, then later it was

252

used as a husk mill. It lias been used as a cider mill, and now
as a o^ristmill b\- Harvev Moore and son.

No. 13. This is the best privilege on the brook, having a
fall of about forty feet. A sawmill and gristmill were built here
by Reuben Belden of Hatfield, as early as 1767. After his de-
cease, in 1776, these mills passed into the hands of his cousin,
Samuel Belden. About 1792, a company was formed, of which
Col. Josiah Allis was the head man, and they bought of Samuel
Belden the mills. At that time the general government was
looking for a place to build an armor\- for the manufacture of
firearms and, for a time, it was thought to be a sure thing that
this privilege would be purchased, but Springfield was finally
taken. Col. Allis died in April, 1794. The propert}' was sold,
about 179S, to Isaac Frary and it is thought that he run the
mills awhile before he purchased. They have since been owned
by Maj. \Vm. Hale, Dea. David Saunders, Foster Y. Warner,
then by Charles and P. M. Wells and now by Dea. Samuel
Wilder and son. The mills were wrecked by a freshet about

1875.

No. 14. This is the • site of a gristmill built by Charles
Wells and Justin Waite. Mr. Waite sold out his share to P.
M. Wells and the "Wells brothers carried on an extensive busi-
ness of from $20,000*10 over $30,000 per year. Wells brothers
sold to Dea. Samuel Wilder and son about 1SS5.

No. i^. This site has had a great number of owners and
many kinds of business has been carried on here. Stephen
Orcutt had a clothier's shop here about 1805. Then Hannum

& Taylor had a shop for cloth dressing and wool carding, in
1810. Mr. Fairman was in the same business from 1820 to '26.
Mr. Cowan continued the business and was here for several
years. In 1832, a new factory- was built and used as a pocket
comb factor^'. This was commenced by Col. R. B. Harwood,
Wright Boyden and Josiah Allis. After a few years they sold
out and it was used for the manufacture of woolen goods by Buf-
fum & Harding, and afterwards owned by Justin Brown, a Mr.
Sykes and Justus Starks. It was burned about 1840. It was
afterwards bought by Justin Waite, who built the present plan-
ing mill. He was succeeded by his son, Frank J. Waite, and
it is now owned by Luman S. Crafts who runs a planing mill, a
general repair shop and builds new wagons and sleds, with
needed blacksmith work, and makes about 1500 to 2000 barrels
of cider a year.

253

No. i6. This was the place used by Reuben Belden of
Hatfield for his iron works, and it stood about where Charles
Potter's barn was built. This was quite a large establishment.
He not only used iron ore and smelted it here, but did a large
and profitable business by pounding scrap iron into bar iron.
When he died, in 1776, the iron works were appraised at ^240,
while his gristmill and sawmill, on No. 13, were inventoried at
^102. "In 1789, the town laid a road beginning at Hatfield
line at West brook bridge, running north from said bridge one
rod, then west two and one-half degrees, north fifteen rods, then
west thirty-one degrees, north seven rods to the northeast cor-
ner of the mill, then north five rods to the top of the hill for the
convenient turning of teams." The mill here alluded to was
the building used for grinding the grain used for making rye
gin. This was carried-on for some years by a company formed
for that purpose, consisting of Gen. Seth Murray, Gen. Dickin-
son, Seth Bardwell, Samuel Belden, Aaron Dickinson and one
other. They sent to Providence, R. I., and obtained a compe-
tent foreman, Mr. Abial Harding, formerly of Whately, for
that purpose. This was said to be the first gin distillery
in Massachusetts. It was here that Abial Harding's son, Ches-
ter Harding, commenced sketching the profiles of parties bring-
ing loads of rye, upon the sides of the mill. He was, in after
years, a renowned portrait painter. I have heard my father,
who was intimately acquainted with Mr. Harding, speak of
theseoffhand portraits, drawn on the rough boards of the mill,
as being neatly done.

After these industries had been given up, Stephen Orcutt
carried on a pottery on the same premises, grinding his clay by
water power. The water was brought several rods in board
troughs about fifteen inches wide and deep, and elevated ten or
twelve feet on trusses. The.se were in use as late as 1830 by
the Waites, who succeeded Orcutt.

Isaac Frary's bark mill was what we used to call the lower
mill on No. 13 that could only run while the upper mill was in
use, as it used over the water that ran the upper mill. It was
built for grinding bark for the tanneries. William Wing at one
time ran Orcutt's clothier's or carding mill on shares.

Hopewell brook. The only valuable privilege on this
brook, or combination of streams flowing from springs all along
under Hopewell Hill , was the site of the Belden mill . A bout 100
years ago, in 1798, Joshua Belden started in a rude way a saw-

254

mill. This was not used many years. In 1850, Charles D.
Stockbridge started here a factory for making paste blacking
and also, at a later time, a factory for making stockings and
employed at least ten or fifteen girls, perhaps more. After this,
Elihu Belden used this factory for the preparation of colors for
fresco painting, and had ovens for baking the umber and sienna,
as this changed the colors.

Roaring brook. Saw and gristmills were early built on this
stream by Adonijah Taylor. George Sheldon says, "before
1766." This was a great accommodation to those living in the
north part of Whately which, when those were built, was in
Deerfield. There was at first a gristmill some ways up the
stream, while the sawmill was near his house, and now the saw
and gristmill are contiguous, near the house of George E. San-
derson. Eli Sanderson had a cloth dressing and wool carding
shop still further down the stream.

Poplar Hill brook. Joel Munson, usually called "Silver
Joel," to designate him from Joel, the son of Reuben, built on
this brook a .shop in which he and his father worked a portion
of their time, in making cider mill screws of wood, and also the
blocks, or nuts, that crushed the apples. These screws were
about four and a half feet long, and six or eight inches in diam-
eter. Also the beams, some eighteen to twenty inches or more
square, made of hard maple. They also made coffins and many
other things, as plows, ox yokes, etc., etc.

Tanneries were generally built where there was a small
stream or brook. Paul Belden, before the organization of the
town, had built on the road leading from Samuel Wells' house
to the Baptist meeting-house, a tannery, and used it until
his removal, about 1795, to Brookfield, Vt. After he left, I
think George Rogers used it. Dea. Thomas Sanderson built a
tannery on the east side of Canterbury road, and also carried
on an extensive shoemaking business during the Revolutionary
war, or until his removal to Indian Hill in 1803. He was suc-
ceeded by his son, Maj. Thomas, and he by his son, John
Sanderson. Solomon Atkins, Jr., built a tannery on Gutter
Hill brook, just west of the bridge, and used it many
years. He was succeeded by Stalham Allis, both in the
tannery and shoe business, and Mr. Allis was followed by
Dexter Frary, who carried on the business on a larger scale
than his'predecessors. Asa Sanderson was a tanner and. shoe-
maker and, as he bought the Noah Field property in 1783, he

255

probably started a tannen,' soon after his removal to the west
part. I well recollect his tanyard and shoe shop as early as
1825. Graves Crafts had a small tannerv- in connection with his
shoeraaking business. Capt. Eleazer Fran,- carried on a tannery
nearwherehe built the house now owned by Lincoln B. San-
derson. Phineas Graves lived where C. R. Chaffee does now
and was a tanner and shoemaker, his tannery being west of Mr.
Chaffee's barn. Stephen Orcutt was a tanner and shoemaker
and was always doing something at it, but not as a regular
business.

Blacksmiths. John Lamson, in 1773 or '74, had a shop
near the Samuel Lesure place and continued it until 1791.
About the same time a blacksmith shop was built at the Straits,
but by whom occupied I have never learned. Jehu Dickinson
built, near his house, a large shop and here his son, Eurotus,
David Graves and several others learned the trade, about 179S
to 1803. He started in business as early as 1782. David Cook
had a shop, I think in the Straits about 1792, and was in town
about four \'ears. Oliver Morton, Jr., built a nice, commodious
shop near his house in 179S. Among his apprentices was Levi
Gunn, who removed to Conway. The Morton shop has had
many occupants, the most prominent being Leander Clark and
Horace B. Fox, the latter carrying on the business there a good
many years. Isaac Chapman had a shop near his residence on
the Easter road. Roswell Train had a shop near his house on
Poplar Hill road, about 1807. James Cutter, in 1804, probably
succeeded Nathan Starks, who had a blacksmith shop at (the
city) West Whately, with trip hammer, and used the West
brook for his power. This shop was bought by Reuben Jenney
Jr., Mr. Cutter selling to him and removing to Hatfield, about
1818 or '20. Israel Scott, who was born in 1766 and lived on
the Capt. Fay place, had his shop near his house, between that
and the house of Benjamin Cooley. Justin Smith had a shop in
the Straits. S. W. Fox run a shop at the Straits some years ;
Michael Kenned}', several years. At Claverick, Chester Wells
opened a shop south of Perez Wells' house, about 1S03, and
Benjamin Larrabee continued it until after 18 16. Mr. Wells
removed to Chestnut Plain street, bought the William Cahill
place and carried on an extensive business with Leander Clark,
his brother-in-law. Later a syndicate of citizens built a
shop, in the rear of the Town house, which has been

25^

run by several different parties, among them we will
name Henry D. Smith, son of Col. Oliver, who, after his
service in the ami}-, came here and occupied that shop. Herbert
L. Bates succeeded him, and later Fred L. Graves. Arthur L.
Atkins opened a shop in Christian Lane, and later H. L. Bates
run it for several years. Now owned by Fred L. Graves. This
does not include all of the trade, as it is well known that S. W.
Fox had a shop on Lover's Lane. Several of the Barnards were
blacksmiths, as was probably Luther Warner.

Hatters. A hatter named Amasa Smith, came to
Whately not far from 1785 and worked at his trade here six or
seven years. In 1799, Benjamin and Joseph Mather had a shop
at the southeast corner of the C. R. Chaffee lot, on Chestnut
Plain street. Joel, Benjamin and Osee Munson had a shop
south of the southwest schoolhouse as long ago as I can remem-
ber. It was an old building and has been gone more than sixty
years. It was a two-story building and, if I recollect aright,
was painted red. Jerry Allis learned his trade there about 1798
to 1-803. Then it was common to carry all the furs to this shop
and they made the hats on shares or bought the furs, as one
chose.

Brick Making. In 1778, the town voted, "That John
Locke have liberty to make brick in the road near the house of
Capt. Henry Stiles." Daniel Morton and Lewis Stiles carried
on the business from 1782 to about 1795, and then Daniel Mor-
ton and Capt. Henr>' Stiles were in company in 1799. After
this Daniel Morton continued the business until 1827. Thomas
Crafts and John White made brick together and built two
schoolhouses of brick in i8ro, one for each of the center dis-
tricts. Justus Crafts and Chester Wells were probably in com-
pany with Capt. Luke Wells, on Capt. Wells' land, near Mill
swamp. Oliver Dickinson made biick on the West side of
Chestnut Plain road, below the Whites, for several years.
About 1832, Levi Bush, Jr., made brick on the south side of the
crossroad, I think, about two years, each year a kiln of about
200,000. His foreman was Jehiel Barber. Since then a smaller
quantity has been made at the Drain Tile works on James M.
Crafts' place, east of the Connecticut River road.

Pottery Ware. In 1797, Stephen Orcutt commenced the
manufacture of common brown earthenware. Prior to his com-

• 257

«

mencing this business Jonathan Pierce had a shop just south of
the line in Hatfield, Orcutt built the place since known as the
Lem. Waite place. It was here where the first pottery was
established. This was carried on for many years by the sons of
Mr. Waite. About 1802 Thomas Crafts commenced in the pot-
tery business near where Lyman A. Crafts now resides, but
removed it to Claverack in 1806, and was interested as owner
or in company with others until 1847, manufacturing common
brown earthenware until 1821. From then until 1832, he kept
six or eight hands at work making black teapots to the value of
some $4000 per annum. He remodeled his shops and commenced,
in 1833, the manufacture of stoneware, continuing fifteen years;
then James M. Crafts and brother continued the business some
years. They were followed by E. A. Crafts in company with

D. D. and I. N. Wells, and they by Martin Crafts, and it was
closed out entirely about i860. Quartus Graves had a potter}^
where Fred L. Graves now owns, for about ten years. A pot-
tery was built on the Quinn place — who built or started it
I never knew — but Heman Swift was the last occupant. Mr.
Orcutt, in company with Obadiah and Luke Waite. started a
stoneware pottery south of the McClelan place, on land now
owned by Samuel Wilder. This was never successful for rea-
sons which I need not relate. Sanford S. Perr}- & Co. built a
pottery and made black teapots, not far from 1820. This too,
was not run on strictly business principles and only continued
about three years. The shop was bought by Simeon Reed,
moved from the lot now owned by Mrs. M. W. Jewett and used
by him for a wheelwright shop. It is now owned by David ^al-
lahan. A small pottery was built on the Israel Wells place,
then owned by Thomas Crafts, and occupied first by Justus
Crafts, about 1825, and afterwards by Rufus Crafts. About
1831, Justus Crafts built a house on Claverack, north of the
Allen Belden place, and used one end of it for a pottery. Ralph

E. Crafts built a small pottery on land of Thomas Crafts, which
was used for making flower pots, burned in 1843, and he re-
built, in 1844, on his own land. This was afterwards used for
a broom shop. At that time the pottery business added much
to the town, giving employment to a good many men, there
being twenty-one native bom potters in town, aside from many
journeymen, but now there is not a single one of that occupation
here.

25S

Carriages and Wagons. Two-wheeled carriages, or
chaises, came in use before those with four wheels, but they
were not made in Whately. Rev. Rufus Wells owned the ftrst
chaise in town as early as 1784; Dea. Thomas Sanderson had
one very soon after. Prior to this, the only mode of travel was
either on foot or horseback, the roads not being worked to per-
mit any other method of travel, except on routes from one large
town to another. It is said that in the old Hampshire county,
as late as 1753, there were only two private carriages, the
county then including Hampden and Franklin counties. These
were owned by Col. Israel Williams of Hatfield and Moses Por-
ter of Hadley. Horse sleds, or sleighs, were simply a box with
a seat set on runners used for winter travel. When Moses Mun-
son canje from Farmington, Conn., in 17S4, all his household
goods, his wife and children came upon a one-horse sled, these
being in use before carriages on wheels. Lieut. Perez Bardwell
had what was called a pung of extra finish, in 1773, and
Salah Graves had one in 1782, Col. Allis had a pung that was
painted in 1776, Dr. Dickinson had a sleigh in 1790 and Dr.
Francis Harwood had one about the same time, though I never
saw Dr. Harwood on his rounds visiting his patients except
astride his faithful horse and in his old age he sat so firm that
he seemed really a part of the horse, with his saddle bags con-
taining his medicines. Jacob Rosefield had a shop opposite
Bartlett's corner, where he made cart wheels, about 1790.
Coming down to a later date, about 1808 or '09, Elijah Sander-
son came from Conway and he, soon after, had a shop on the
sou^h side of the brook, on privilege No. 5, where he turned
hubs for wheels and commenced manufacturing one-horse pleas-
ure wagons, and about the same time Charles Bardwell, who
lived where George W. Moore does now, commenced making
wagons. In 1812, Thomas Crafts had several hands at the
work. Simeon Graves in Christian Lane, Sylvester Morton,
Chester Wells and his brother Luther, and perhaps others were
engaged m making and selling these vehicles, and salesmen
were sent all over the territory where they could dispose of
their goods. One horse would draw about four of them over
our poor roadways. In 1807, there were eleven carriages and
wagons assessed to the following persons: Lieut. John Brown,
one, Isaiah Brown, one, Lieut. Noah Bardwell, one, Charles
Bardwell, one, Reuben and Aaron Belden, one, Capt. Seth
Frary, one, Maj. Phineas Frar>^ one, Martin Graves, one, Maj.

259

Thomas Sanderson, one, David Stockbridge, one, Capt. Salmon
White, one. These wagons were built strong and were inno-
cent of any kind of springs, except the seat, which had a slight
spring.

But it was a long time before the horse block could be
dispensed with, as people as late as 1S24, went to meeting Sun-
days husband and wife on the same horse, the man on the sad-
dle, the wife on the pillion, perhaps with a baby in her arms,
and thus they traveled. When Erastus Crafts and Maria Lam-
son were married 4 Nov., 1817, Uncle Erastus related the
incident to me; he said that Uncle Graves Crafts made a string
of verses about them. They rode horseback, his bride seated
upon the pillion. The horse was known as old "White eye,"
and he had borrowed old Doctor Harwood's loaded whip for the
occasion and instead of going to Europe or some great city they
went to Rowe. I have one stanza which runs as follows :

"There's Erastus and Mrs. Maria

They both can have their heart's desire ;

The Doctor's whip will make "White eye" go
And they w-ill gallop straight for Rowe."

I mention this incident to show conditions as they then
existed as a sort of ah exhibit in contrast to the present fashion
of managing such marriage trips now-a-days. Erastus Crafts
was a highly respected citizen, as well informed as men
in general, and his wife was one the best of women. They lived
together as husband and wife over fifty-four years.

In 1803 or '04, there were no chaises or wagons taxed in
town, though Rev. Rufus Wells had a chaise, he was not taxed
for any of his property. Dea. Thomas Sanderson then lived on
Indian Hill, in Deerfield, which has since been annexed to
Whately.

Saltpeter was made at the part of the town on the road
leading from the Straits to the Frank D. Belden place, on land
formerly owned by James Whalen, on a small flat piece of
ground partly down Hopewell Hill. Another site for this busi-
ness was some twenty rods north of the Giles Dickinson place,
just across the bridge over Roaring brook, and the hill there has
long been known as "Pete Hill." These places seem to have
been selected for boiling the lye. This was procured by leach-

26o

ing soil from underneath buildings and similar sources. Then
the high price for such commodities doubtless ser\'ed as the
incentive, as well as its need for the manufacture of powder.

Nail Making. Spencer Graves, when in his ninetieth
year, told me that he well recollected when a boy, of going to
the mill on Indian Hill and seeing Amos Marsh and his son,
Thomas, who not only attended the mill, but also engaged in
making nails, and he had often seen a Mr. Hicks, who succeeded
the Marshes, at work with the machine cutting nails. The iron
was in strips of sufficient width to slice off a nail of the size to
be made, then these were headed b}' hand. The machine, he
thought, was worked by lever power. This was the wa}' in
which Asa Marsh, "the aged," made nails, about 1804 or '05.

Tar Kilns. There were two or three of these kilns, one
being owned by Graves Crafts and was a little north of the
north center schoolhouse on the east side of the road ; another
by Dea. Thomas Sanderson, and we learn from his account book
that he employed Nathaniel Sartwell at his tar kiln, in 1778.
Where they disposed of the tar, or the amount produced, I do
not know, but in the east part of the town there was a heavy
growth of yellpw, or pitch pine, and as they cut off the forests the
stumps and roots that were charged with pitch were used for its
manufacture.

Potash was made near the residence of Col. Josiah AUis,
bj' whom I do not know, but have supposed by Col. AUis.
Then there was another potash works near the house of Paul
Belden, but whether this was carried on by Mr. Belden, George
Rogers or by some, other party I have no means of determining.

Needles. About 1806, Widow Elizabeth Phelps came
from Northampton and bought the house where William Bard-
well lived. Later it was sold to L. S. Wilcox and raised up a
stor}'. Mr. Phelps was a silversmith and from him their son,
Edward, obtained much of his skill in mechanics. At one time
he undertook to manufacture sewing needles. How long he
continued in this business I do not know, or whether he con-
sidered it a success. The writer has samples of his make, and
I am certain the market for them now would be rather small.

Distilleries. When cider became abundant in Whately,
the market was quite limited. So to dispose of the surplus, dis-

26l

tilling became quite common. Cider brandy was Gent bv the
boats to Hartford and by large vessels to New York. Some
years the quantity was quite large, amounting to fifty barrels or
more. The distillery on the east side of Gutter bridge, near
where the road to South Deerfield branches off from Chestnut
Plainstreet, was run for manv vears bv Rev. Daniel Hunting--
ton, Edward Phelps and Leonard Loomis. They were partners,
running a general merchandizing and the distilling of cider
brandy. They dissolved partnership about 1825 to "27, Phelps
keeping the distillery. Prior to this, Reuben and Aaron Belden
run a distillery some years, Zenas Field early in this century-,
Lieut. John Brown before 1S20, Dexter and Xoah Crafts, Jerre
Graves, John E. Waite, G. \V. and A. J. Crafts and now
Luman S. Crafts. Possibly there were others, that I do not recall.

Merchants ix Whately. Dea. Simeon Waite and his
son, Gad Waite, kept a small assortment of goods and groceries
where Calvin S. Loomis lives and sold intoxicating liquors,
soon after he came to the town in [760. They sold by the quart
or gallon, or they mixed and sold flip by the mug, etc. Samuel
Grimes opened a store, in 1797, where he kept dry goods, gro-
ceries and liquors, mixed flip and sold to customers. Gad Smith
opened a store in the Straits as soon as 177S, and David Stock-
bridge about J So I. The Straits was, for many years, the most
populous and enterprising part of the town. Levi Bush, Jr.,
came in 1823 or '24, selling dry goods and groceries, including
intoxicating liquors, until about 182S. Eurotus Morton came
about that time, 1828, and associated with him was Samuel B.
White at the center, east of the old meeting-house. They kept an
assortment of merchandise, including spirits. William W. San-
derson sold dry goods and groceries, Samuel Lesure the same.
The Whately Co-operative store was in existence several years,
from 1859 or '60, to '66, then Ashley Hayden, Darius Stone,
and since him A. W. Crafts, Micajah Howes and son, Ryland
C, have had possession. E. H. Woods opened a store near
Ashley G. Dickinson's, but soon went to the railroad station.
After this there was a union store, with thirty or forty owners,
then Caleb L. Thayer, Horace H. Hastings, Eugene E. Wood,
John H. Pease, Henry C. Ashcraft and it is now owned by
Arthur J. Wood.

At West Whately we first had a Mr. Lull on Poplar Hill,
Reuben Wiuchell at the center. Childs & Jenney at the west

26.?

part, then some one who bought them out whose name I forget.
At the centre Huntington, Phelps «S: Loomis, and earlier still,
at the center, Lemuel and Justus Clark had a store near the
stockade monument. They bought out Dr. Perez Chapin who,
I think, kept a grocery store. Elijah x\llis and Chester Wells
run a general store, and after them Salmon White AUis, and
perhaps others that I don't recall.

PoCKETBOOKS. This branch of business was for many years
a very important one, furnishing work for a large number of the
women and children of the town besides those who were kept in
constant employment at the factory. This, it must be remem-
bered, was before the invention of the sewing machines and all
the stitching upon thousands of dozens of pocketbooks, wallets
and bill books had to be done by hand. This work was given
ont to be done at the homes of our people, while the cutting,
pasting and pricking the holes for the stitches was done at the
factory, as well as other needful work in finishing and packing
the work for the market. There was a force of from five to
seven men and probably a dozen or more young ladies in con-
stant employment, and a much larger force of stitchers scattered
over the town. Col. Harwood was a great manager and under
his management the town was much benefitted. True, the pay-
ment to the outside help was paid from the store, yet many a
boy and girl was able by their own labor to obtain many nice
articles of wearing apparel, while the employment of their spare
time and the earning of this money taught them a useful lesson,
raised their self respect and exerted a refining influence that was
far reaching. All of this will apply to the manufacturing by
Stephen Belden and Lemuel Graves. They were each doing
the same kind of business, but not on so large a scale. Between
them all they probably had as many as sixty families engaged
in the work of stitching, and were distributing thousands of dol-
lars each year for this purpose. Aside from these there were
some others from South Deerfield that used to send out a team
with work to be done. Then our old friend, Miles B. Morton,
was in the same business seven or eight years, and William F.
Bardwell took contracts to manufacture for Luman Pease, I
think of South Deerfield, and Samuel W. Steadman and his
brother-in-law, R. B. Hawks, did some business in the same
line.

263

Broom Corn and Brooms. Broom corn was planted, at
first as a curiosity, as early as 1780 to 'S5. Sylvester Judd
mentions its growth at these early dates, but its worth was not
appreciated by the public, as they were apparently satisfied with
their birch brooms. Broom corn is probably a species of sor-
ghum, or guinea com, with a jointed stem like the sorghum and
Indian corn, and grows to the' height of eight or nine feet
according to the fertility of the soil. The head or brush pro-
duces a seed like the sorghum plant only the brush is longer
and, when allowed to ripen, is used for grinding with corn for
provender. When the seed ripens the brush turns to a reddish
color, and is more brittle and of less worth than when harvested
in the blossom. The first one mentioned by Mr. Judd, to com-
mence its cultivation with a view of utilizing it for manufactur-
ing brooms was Levi Dickinson of Hadley. This was about
1797. His first brooms were sold by peddlers through the
ardjoining towns. Its culture soon spread through the river
towns, and in 1805, several Whately men commenced to culti-
vate it. The most prominent at this early period were Reuben,
Aaron and Francis Belden, three brothers. They not only grew
the corn, but essayed to manufacture the brooms, but they did
not meet with popular approval on account of their poor manu-
facture. They would soon get loose on the handle, and the
women did not like them. The method of making them was to
take a sapling of suitable size, peel off the bark and after it was
seasoned they would attach a string to the side of the room,
long enough to fasten the brush for a broom, then fastening the
string to the handle commence to walk forward, rolling the
broom around and drawing it as closely as the strength of the
string would allow until sufficient brush was used to make the
broom of the proper size. These were of course round and then
to. flatten them they used an axe or a heavy mall, and later flat-
tened them under the cider mill press. About 1820, they began
to use a spool, or as they termed it roller, some fifteen inches
long. On this the t\vine was wound and the workman sat at
his bench and held the spool under his feet and by properly
placing the brush and using a suitable implement called
a "pounder" the broom was made flat. This "pounder"
was made of steel, about two and one-half inches wide and six
inches long with edges a quarter of an inch thick, and weighed
fully two pounds. This was used to crush down the stalks of
the brush so as to fasten the"brooni so tight that it would seldom

264

eet loose. Then when sewed the broom was placed in between
the jaws of the sewing horse and allowed to spread sufficiently
to meet the wishes of the workman and then sewed with twine,
as at present done.

CHAPTER XIV.

AGRICULTURE.

It would seem passing strange if I, to the farm born, should
neglect to say something upon this very important topic. The
fact that Whately has always been, and now is, a farming town
no one will for a moment dispute. Our first settlers were all
farmers, obtaining their bread by industriously stirring mother
earth to induce the best and richest returns in exchange for
their tireless labor and watchful care.

The soil of course is varied, the eastern portion containing
the rich alluvial meadows skirting the Connecticut river, and
the second level all free from stone, but of a lighter and
more sandy nature, yet warm, quick to respond to culture, and
where it is fertilized is among its best lands. The ease of culti-
vation induced its owners to sow it with rye continuously until it
was ryed to death. Then they used to let it lay over a year and
then sow rye again. If by chance a piece was planted with
com and from four to six loads of pretty poor compost put in
the hill often twenty-five to thirty bushels of corn would be har-
vested. But fearful that some of the manure used would leach
from the soil the land would be sowed to rye again as soon as
the corn could be put into the stook, and the much-abused land
would yield eight or ten bushels of rye to the acre. Then the
straw, for which there was no market, was often put in the barn-
yard on top of the muck or soil, and at every clearing of the
yard earth was removed.

The land was flat or level, not admitting of drainage, and
the cattle and cows would go to the bottom at every step, so then

266

the straw would be littered over the porridge-like barnyard, and
by the time that it would freeze so as to bear up the cattle, ihe
straw would be to some extent mixed with the muck and the
dropj)ings of the cattle. The cattle, by the way, were turned
into the yard to drink at about lo o'clock a. m., and cold oi
storm, left there to hook and chase each other until the boys
came home from school. Then they were tied up, and either
hay or corn stalks were fed, the men going to the barn generally
twice to feed after the boys were through.

The milking was not a long job. I very well recollect that
my sister and I had to milk the four cows and the amount of
milk would not exceed eight quarts in the morning and less at
night. They were fed no grain or mess of any kind and the
amount of butter fat would only make comment b\^ its paucity.
Most even,- year an old cow that had been to pasture out on the
hills during the latter portion of the season was fed come fall
and winter until killed, a peck basket full of small potatoes
morning and night and I had to do that as part of my chores.
The oxen when worked were fed corn on the ear. The horses
were fed as much as two quarts of oats per day as a rule.

It was somewhat difficult to make what butter our large
family wanted, but it had to go as none would be bought. Our
methods were simply typical of many others.

The ground planted was fertilized by the manure drawn
out of the yards in the fall, it being placed in piles, six or eight
loads in each, so as to be handy for use in the planting time, and
almost invariably used in the hill for all kinds of hoed crops.

Seventy to seventj'-five years ago the principal thing sold
from the farm was stock, cattle and pork, aside from a small
amount of butter that was taken at the stores in exchange for
goods. Then rye, corn, oats and broom corn were the principal
crops. Some few raised flax, but that soon ceased. The broom
corn was usually or quite frequently used on the farm, as broom
makers were seemingly as numerous as shoemakers in Lynn,
and it was thus turned into cash together with needful labor.

Tobacco from Virginia pressed into plugs sold at about five
centsaplugor thirteen cents per pound. Butter in 1 8 16 was twelve
and one-half cents, in 1811 oats sold for 2s 6d, or fort\' two
cents when sold by the single bushel, corn fifty cents, rye
sixty-seven, wheat seventy-five. The market for grain was largely
local, as there was no means of transporting it except by teams.
As for butter, the stores would buy it at from ten to twelve and

267

one-half cents, work it all over, pack it in firkins or tubs and
send it by teams to Boston.

The people of to-day, with railroads traversing the country
in every direction, even carrying milk by the thousands of cans
to Boston and meats by hundred of car loads, also butter and
cheese, at but a modicum of the former cost receive a much
larger price for their commodities. Then there were only the
local markets, now Northampton, Holyoke, Chicopee and
Springfield afford excellent, as well as near-by markets, for any
surplus products the fanner may have.

Formerly fruit was only raised for home use. Apples it is
true yielded some income, as the cider would sell at from seven-
ty-five cents to one dollar a barrel for drinking purposes and dis-
tillation and large quantities of cider brandy were sent to Hart-
ford and New York, going by boat down the river. Eggs were
seldom sold for more than twelve and one-half cents a dozen and
then only in the heighth of the season.

TOBACCO.

Tobacco was raised by most of the farmers to a greater or
less extent from the earliest settlement of the Connecticut val-
ley, and was a source of trade mostly confined to a sort of retail
trade among the people living in hill towns. This was prepared
for market by sweating it in a rather primitive manner. It
seems that it was hung up to dry or cure for awhile, and then
when it had begun to cure they took it down and piled it in
smallish heaps to induce heat or fermentation until it was in
condition for use, occasionally repacking it so as to secure as
even a sweat as possible in that way. When the sweat was fin-
ished the leaves were stripped from the stalks and done up in
hands and packed away to keep moist until winter. Those who
made a business of sending out peddlers would in the winter
strip out the center stem and either braid it in rolls, or in some
other way make it attractive and thus dispose of it.

After the Revolutionary war the crop was more extensively
grown, and I recall the fact of a purchase of quite a large
tract of land, some sixty acres, by Reuben and Asa Crafts, pay-
able one-third in silver money, one-third in tobacco and the
balance in stock. I have this from a son of Reuben Crafts, his
uncle Asa taking the silver monej' and carr^nng it on his horse
to some town in New York state and paid the first installment.
This is. in part the valuable lands now owned by the Hon.
Lyman A. Crafts near the railway station in Whately.

268

Mr. Sheldon says : Tobacco was raised in Deerfield in
1696, and Daniel Belden had hun.s: a portion of his crop in the
attic to dry before the Indians attacked Belden 's house in Sep-
tember of that year, and some of his children hid among it and
they in that way escaped capture by the savages."

After the incorporation of the town, in 1771, we find that
the young minister, Rev. Rufus Wells, was accustomed to raise
quite a quantity, selling it to anyone wishing to buy. The
price for the hand not stripped was usually six pence per pound.
He however sold some to Parson Emerson, the Conway minister,
for five pence, but sometimes his price was eight pence a pound.

Among the largest growers in town were Joshua Belden, his
sons, Reuben and Aaron Belden, Dea. Levi Morton, Reuben
and Asa Crafts and Perez Wells. It isn't probable that at that
period the whole acreage dev'oted to tobacco culture would ex-
ceed fifteen acres. After the introduction of plug or pressed
tobacco from \'irginia the growing entirely ceased, except in
isolated instances where some one who was accustomed to the
use of the leaf raised a supply for his own use.

About 1843, Stephen Belden procured some tobacco seed
and raised a quantit}' of tobacco in 1S44, shipping it to New
York with his brooms. His tobacco was packed in barrels and
he sold it for four cents a pound. This was the commencement
of raising Connecticut seed leaf tobacco in Whately. The next
year Lewis Wells, S. and H. Dickinson and Isaac Frary, Jr.,
each commenced with a small patch of tobacco and after it was
cured they drove over to Hadle}' where they sold it for six cents
a pound to Loomis of Sufl&eld. The next year they had about
an acre each, and Mr. Loomis came to Whately and bought
their crops, paying about twelve cents for the wrappers and four
cents for the fillers. The amount of monej' brought to these
men for their crops induced others to commence its growth, and
at the end of ten years there were about seventy acres devoted
to its culture. Prices varied from ten to fourteen cents, average
about twelve and one-half cents a pound. These prices stimu-
lated its production. In 1865, we had some over 300 acres in
cultivation.

Of course values were increased as a result of the deprecia-
tion of our paper money, though if reduced to a gold basis they
Were very low. The price in 1865 was about twenty cents per
pound in greenbacks, really less than ten cents in silver or gold.
As paper depreciated the price rose so that one year I sold my

269

crop at thirty-five cents and the world seemed to go wild over
our profits and ever>' effort was used to increase the acreage.

New and valuable buildings were erected for curing the
crop, at great expense, in the place of old and tumbled-down
structures and in this present year (1899) new and elegant
buildings are being erected. It is claimed that ten large barns,
of from seventy-five to one hundred and twenty-five feet by
thirty, having a hanging capacity of at least forty acres, have
been erected.

The methods of fertilization have kept pace with the march
of investigation by our agricultural experiment stations and in-
stead of fertilizing wholly with stable manures and Peruvian
guano, they now use extensively cotton seed meal and potash
in ^ome available form as it is an absolute necessity to produce a
leaf that can be used for a wrapper in order to obtain a price
that will compensate the grower for his outlay of time and
money. A good, desirable leaf always finds buyers and those
that don't haggle over a reasonable price. This is by far the
leading interest of our townsmen and we have occupied consid-
erable space to trace its history.

Now I will close with a little incident of church inteference.
Rev. C. N. Seymour came to Whately and was installed, 9
March, 1853, and remained about six years. He was a liberal
preacher and well liked by the townspeople. During his stay in
town the association of ministers met in Whately and among
the ultra-pious men were many that believed it was an awful sin
to use the vile Indian weed and of course that added the men
who grew it to a sinful class. They discussed the question
with much eloquence, and it ended in resolutions recommending
the ministers in the tobacco growing towns to use every effort
by prayer and exhortation to stop raising it, and they called on
their good Brother Seymour to give his views. Until then he
had maintained a discreet silence, but he arose and all eyes
were upon him, and he very wittily remarked, "That he didn't
particularly care what his parishioners raised if they would only
raise his salary," and took his seat.

The panic of 1873 was successful in ruining most of the
parties living in town who had entered into the trade in tobacco.
Tobacco that cost nearly or quite thirty cents a pound dropped
down to some eight or ten cents a pound, carrying most of the
local dealers in Franklin and Hampshire counties into insol-
vency. We mention this to show the unfavorable side of the
tobacco trade.

270

ABANDONED FARMS IN WHATELV AND THE
CAUSES LEADING THERETO.

This is a topic on which there are a variety of opinions.
We do not expect to solve the problem yet will give some salient
reasons for at least a portion of them. It seems as though one
hundred years ago the young men, not desiring to remove awa}'
from all their associates and relatives, sought to occupy lands
wholly unsuited for a productive farm upon which they could
support a constantly growing family, were afterwards actually
compelled to seek some other location.

To illustrate my idea I will mention one instance : Daniel
Wells born about 1749, marrying Aphia Dickinson, had a log
house on the Easter road to Conway, on -the west side of the
road well to the north, near where Sylvester and Horace Graves'
sugarhouse stood. His land ran west of the hill. His house
stood on a small level spot, a part of the level patch being little
better than a mudhole. They had one cow and before she
dropped her calf, he let her have the run of the level patch at
nig:ht. One morning he found her mired and dead and the calf
also. He then remarked that "He would not live on a farm
where there wasn't a suitable place for a cow to calve on." He
removed and left an abandoned farm.

Very many of these abandoned farms were wholly unsuited
for a farm, being fit only for woodland or pasturage. When the
land was new and freshly burned over comfortable crops were
produced for awhile, but the fertility was not kept up by the
application of fertilizers. The places served simply as a shelter
at night for those who were employed by neighbors who had
lands suited for farm purposes. When the time came that farm
machinery took the place of hand labor, then indeed was there
an exodus to some factory village where a man and his numer-
ous family could live comfortably.

As for an illustration : Before the mowing machine, tedder
and the horserake, all of our larger farms gave employment to
many hands to cut and make the hay. It was a common thing
to see from three to five or more hands industriously swinging
the scythe all the forenoon to cut over a piece of land that a man,
and a pair of horses attached to a mowing machine, would easily
cut in much less time. Then in the afternoon the rake and
pitchfork had to be handled lively, while with the tedder and a
single horse the hay is better turned than a man can do it.

271

Then shifting to the horse rake the crop is soon in shape for
draudng, and two men and a boy will put more hay into the barn
than the ftve or six men, to say nothing about the boys, could
do then. The result is that the labor that was formerly hired is
dispensed with, and then the reaper and thresher came in to
further lessen the need of so much extra help.

In the winter men were employed, usually on shares, to
thresh out the rye and wheat crops, and the music of the flails
was heard in man}' a barn from early morning until we would
get home from school. These jobs now are gone, and the man
living on a piece of land that would not furnish a family with
but little beyond caring for a cow, or perhaps two cows, and
potatoes, the buildings going to decay and ruin, has at last
abandoned it, the land being sold for pasturage or to grow up
to wood.

In 1888 I assisted in cutting white pines that yielded five
12-foot logs for boards, the butt cut making boards, square
edged, 22 inches wide, from land that when I was a boy of ten
years was used for a cow pasture, having formerly been culti-
vated with corn and grain. About [S2S to 1S34 there was a
western boom that struck our town as Vv-ell as others ; such
stories of the marvelous richness of those distant lands, that many
sold off their farms and they were soon made into pastures, and
the houses either torn down or removed.

I have one such instance in my thoughts now: A father
had built a two-story house, but never plastered a room; went
upstairs by means of a ladder, had no well, drew the water for
the house with his oxen and sled or stone boat, letting the cattle
go to the brook thirty rods away. They had twelve children.
Then his son lived in the same way, same house, and also had
in his family twelve children. Then they moved to another
farm. The land was sold, the house taken down and set up
again over two miles away, put into comfortable condition, and
was recently sold to a young man who now has a comfortable
home.

Other farms after the death of the owners, have been divided
and subdivided and sold off in small strips, thus destroying the
farm, the land being now added to the possessions of some well-
to-do farmer. This will account for quite a number of aban-
doned farms. If we go back to the tax list of 1771 we find that
the seventy-one poll tax payers had ninety-nine cows. There
was practically no sale for butter, and only enough cows were

272

kept to supply the family. In iSio the tax list shows that with
231 poll tax payers they had increased the number of cows to
307 ; they had also increased their population from 320 in 1771 to
890 in I Sic. Butter was worth Sd in 1777, in 18 10 about ten
cents, and from 1S25 to 1S30 about twelve and one-half cents.
It is probably true that I can name three men in Whately who
manufacture and sell more butter than all that was made and
sold in iSio, or it produces more money. Considering the con-
ditions under which our people struggled, the wonder is that so
few farms were abandoned.

The facilities for sending our surplus products to market
are now such that there is no trouble in sending milk, cream,
butter, eggs, poultry- and even,- kind of perishable produce to a
speedy, as well as a lucrative market. Tobacco that is now
grown in a year would be worth more than all the crops they
raised in a year. Now we shall expect to see some of the best
farms that were abandoned rehabitated and very few ever again
abandoned. Many of them have abundance of good natural
pasturage, but are deficient in good mowing lands. When corn
for ensilage can be grown a silo laughs at one who has only hay
to depend upon.

A SEQUEL TO OUR ABANDONED FARMS.

While traveling over our little town enumerating the peo-
ple, in accordance with the laws of our state, I was compelled to
pass place after place where once a dwelling stood, where once
busy feet pressed the soil of a once busy farmhouse, and its sur-
roundings, where parents with their laughing boys and blush-
ing girls filled the home with their gladsome voices ; where once
was busy life, now, alas, is naught but the partially filled cellar
hole and all is silent, as though the surrounding hills had never
reverberated the gladsome laugh or sent back in echoes the
merr>' songs of a once numerous and happy progeny.

I was going from the center of the town by the Irvdng Allis
place, thence over the old Easter road to West Whately, some-
thing over a half mile from Mr. Allis', by the roadway passing
the "coon dens" and rising the Easter Hill, reached the first of
the abandoned farms. The ruins consist of a partially filled cel-
lar some fifteen feet by about twenty-four, thus indicating the
size of the house. Here I stopped and sat down on a beautiful
plot of grass, going back in memory to its early occupants and
tracing their history and life work, and theti their sons and

273

daughters, their children and grandchildren, and as I thought
aloud and mentioned names so I will now do the same.

In the year 1775 my great uncle, John Crafts, built a dairy
house here. In 1779 Joseph Crafts, after faithful service in the
Revolutionary army, married and soon after occupied this dairy
house and the adjacent lands. Here his family, consisting of
three daughters and six sons, was born. The two oldest chil-
dren were daughters, then came Chester Crafts who was the
father of Josephus, Chester, Jr., David W., Roswell P. and
Albert W.. all of them wealthy. Roswell P. has twice served
Holyoke as its efficient mayor ; three of them have been direct-
ors in different banks, and all of them much in office and held
in high esteem. The daughters, sisters of these parties, were
married to men of good and reputable standing at Northampton.

Then in my mind I traced another of the sons of Joseph
who married and removed to Ohio. He was by trade a black-
smith and also carried on the business of manufacturing agricul-
tural implements; sold out and removed to Illinois; was con-
tractor on the Central Illinois railroad. His wife died and he
was prostrated with typhoid fever and died, leaving eight chil-
dren. The oldest, named Josephus Crafts, was a woolen man-
ufacturer; removed to Alabama, where he owned a plantation of
800 acres, and his descendants still live there ; one is a lawyer,
and others in trade, besides carrying on the farm ; one other son,
James, was a Methodist preacher, was in a cavalry regiment in
the war of the rebellion and died in the service.

Then I thought of another grandson, Davdd K. Crafts, who
was a mere lad when his parents died, and among strangers.
He was put out to a farmer with whom he lived until about
seven or eight years of age, when he was sold to a drinking
fellow for a keg of cider brandy. When he awoke in the
morning and found that his drunken master was sleeping off his
last night's debauch, he slipped out of bed determined to kill the
man who had bought him, and seizing one of his boots he
struck with will on his head, but the fellow jumped up before
he could repeat the blow. He had to go with him, and when
thirteen years old wenttoNauvoo and learned the tinner's trade,
and the family being Mormons went to Utah, and he of course
went. He owns a large farm and a large interest in the mining
business; has a family of seven-or eight children, well educated.

All these thoughts ran through my mind as I sat there.
Then I thought of the grand old grandfather, of his long con-

274

tinued service in the army, assisting at the capture of Burgoyne
and his whole army. Here they lived. The house stood in a
warm, cozy place on an eastern slope of Mt. Easter. In the
cellar is growing a stalwart butternut tree, a part of the cellar
wall being intact and pieces of brick are strewed around. There
is but little land in any way suitable for tillage or mowing, and
how they managed to live here is a question that I am unable
to solve, yet here was their home and here their children often
disported. It is no wonder that when Mr. Crafts died in i8[5,
the house was deserted and the land used for a pasture even to
this day.

Other abandoned farms may have similar results following
the removal to lands admitting of cultivation, several instances
of which I could relate were it necessary.

Most of the farmers in the eastern and central part of the
town raised broom corn, and quite a good proportion of them
manufactured the corn into brooms. Those not choosing to
manufacture had no difficulty in disposing of the broom corn.
The price varied from five to seven cents a pound, probably six
cents was about a fair average price, the green brush being
always worth more than the red. It was confidently claimed
that a good, well-ripened crop of seed would pay for the cost of
labor and fertilizer for its production, so the farmer could well
afford to take the reduced price for his brush. The manufac-
turer would use the red brush for the inside and the green brush
to cover it, a process that had some doubts as to its morality.

Among our largest manufacturers we will name a few only :
Josiah Allis, Eliphas H. Wood, Abel W. Nash, Soloman Mo-
sher, Cahdn S. Loomis, Porter Wells, Lucius Graves, Stephen
Belden, Reuben Belden, Carlos Swift, Justin M. Cooley, William
J. and Josiah G. Wood. They soon began to buy broom com
grown at the west where it was always harvested green, and
then broom corn raising ceased and the former growers turned
their attention to growing tobacco.

The yield of broom brush averaged about six hundred
pounds to the acre. Before the building of the Connecticut
River railway the brooms were most generally sent to New York,
shipping by boats to Hartford and from there by sloops or steam-
boats, while many sent out teams through all the surrounding
country, with an occasional two-horse load to Albany, N. Y.
They used to laugh at one of our jocose broom manufacturers,
who took a two-horse load of brooms to Albany, of course selling

275

his wares as he had opportunity by the way. He closed out the
end of his load to a wide-awake man in Albany, taking his pay
in flour. He wasn't much acquainted with handling flour and
the barrels were marked "fine flour." When he arrived home
with his flour that he hoped to sell at a profit the people asked
him why he didnt buy "superfine," instead of fine. He replied
that they told him that old "Super" was dead so they could not
use his name on that flour any more. He never outgrew that.

But then when we stop to think, in those days ver>- few
families ever bought flour by the barrel; they raised and ate rye
bread. Once or twice a year they would buy a small amount for
Thanksgiving and sometimes a little for ha3-ing purposes, a
dozen pounds or such a matter at a time, an ounce of nutmeg, a
quarter of a pound of allspice, some cinnamon and a pound or
two of raisins also for Thanksgiving. To see how our people
live to-day would excite their wonder. In my boyhood days I
had to eat from a wooden trencher until I was ten years old.

As for eggs scarcely ten cents a dozen would be paid for
them, but now they are carefully crated, and thus marketed or
placed in cold storage ready for use when the season of scarcity
arrives, and every week our merchants in villages receive them
from Indiana and Illinois; and butter also is kept in cold stor-
age, and the price seldom drops below twenty cents.

The west part of the town, comprising as it does the fourth
division of Commons and nine lots of the third division, is stony
and hilly, well adapted to pasturage, fruit growing and the pro-
duction of meat and butter; with some good arable lands and a
strong fertile soil. In fact I know that the lands from the top
of Potash hill, including Pleasant hill, Spruce hill up Chestnut
mountain, are remarkably rich soils producing every kind of
crop in profusion, warm, quick to respond to treatment of ferti-
lizers and easy of tillage.

As you go further west the arable lands are not so abundant,
yet on the Poplar hill road from Conway line to and beyond
Paul \V. Field's, excellent farms are found, and Grass hill was
considered many years ago as the farmer's paradise, but it was
principally a stock keeping portion of the town. But now a
change has come over the conditions of the agricultural products
of the town. The reason is found in the growing of corn, and
seed leaf tobacco. Lands that are suitable for the production of
firm, light colored wrappers suitable for cigars, are now used
largely for that purpose.

i']6

This was commenced in a small way by Stephen Belden,
Lewis Wells, Samuel and Horace Dickinson. Mr. Relden pro-
cured some seed and raised a small quantity in 1S43, ^^d in 1844
took it to New York and sold it. At this time, 1S44 or '4-5,
Wells set out towards an acre and the Dickinson brothers about
one acre. They took samples to Hadley, and sold their crops
at six cents a pound for the wrappers and two cents for the
fillers. Their next crops were somewhat larger and the buyer,
Mr. Loomis from Suffield, Conn., came to Whatelj' and better
prices were paid. Then others commenced growing- it, and in
1854 there were about seventy acres devoted to its culture.

In 1893 there were 412 acres planted ; but the usual amount
of land devoted to tobacco varies from 364 in 1892, to 4 12 in '93.
This yields verj- nearly 1600 pounds to the acre as an average ;
this gives 620,800 pounds, giving a cash return of nearly $75,-
000, and when prices run higher the amount has reached over
$100,000. There are years, like 1897, when the plants were so
affected by the large amount of rain, that many acres were en-
tirely worthless, entailing heavy losses upon the farmers. In-
deed many acres of corn were also ruined.

At first the tobacco land was sowed to wheat after tobacco,
and heavy crops resulted. I well recall a field of twelve acres
raised \>\ Alonzo and Walter Crafts, that was followed by wheat,
that was claimed to have yielded 600 bushels, and as I have
grown very nearly forty bushels to the acre on a poorer soil, I
am disposed to say it yielded as above. Now the practice of
sowing wheat has most generally ceased and the land if well
adapted to the growth of tobacco is kept continually for that
crop.

Since the completion of so many railways, affording as they
do such facilities for the quick transportation of what is considered
as perishable products, such as milk, butter and eggs, as well as
small fruits, with the addition of cold storage, has almost en-
tirely changed the conditions under which the farmer labors.
Now it is possible, aye practicable, for the farmer to keep all the
cows his farm can profitably carrj'. And when the hay crop is
insufficient the silo and ensilage come in as important adjuncts
to piece out his deficient forage crop, as now it is generally con-
ceded that one acre of ensilage is sufficient to carr>^ three cows
through the usual foddering season, with one small feed of some
dr^' material such as hay, oats, straw or cornstalks once a day.

The land in the west part of our town is peculiarly fitted

277

for the keeping of poultry', particularly for the production of
eggs. The laud is not held so high but that a man might de-
vote an acre or more fenced off in plats of eight or ten rods in a
plat, with a woven wire fence, allowing to each plat about
twenty hens and one cockerell ; allow the grass to grow, thus
affording valuable food for the hens, and set a number of pear
or plum trees as he may choose in each plat. These will
afford shade for the hens, and the fertilizer deposited by the
hens would make the trees thrifty and productive.

For all these products there is an abundant market, and
payable in good hard cash, not as formerly a barter trade.
Then another excellent product is the raising of early lambs.
They have the pasturage, and even though stone walls abound,
yet wire is now so cheap that there need be no difficulty in mak-
ing effective fences for sheep. Money is more easily earned in
this way than in growing tobacco. Again a large portion of its
area is well adapted to the growing of apples, for which we have
the -world for a market. But it is necessary to grow nice fat
apples, not poverty-stricken specimens. To do this there must
be supplied the needed elements contained in the fruit. No one
would think of planting corn or seeding to grass a sand blow
knoll, so no man should think of reaping "Where he has not
strown." The old orchards are decaying, simply for the want
of potash, and this is true as regards much of our New England
pasturage.

Then as an incentive for improvement, real farmers' clubs
should be formed wherever a dozen farmers can readily meet ;
compare notes, try supposed beneficial experiments, and to de-
plore farm wastes and suggest improvements ; a real live insti-
tution, and not a particularly literary affair attended by a thous-
and and one degrees and initiations, with a bevy of officials too
numerous to mention, where they discuss anything but fanning.

CHAPTER XV.
whately's natural scenery.

The Connecticut Valley has many beautiful localities of
which those to the manor born are justly proud. In passing
through the .valley even,- one must be struck with the beautiful
elevation on which the little hamlet of Whately is located. The
hill is not sharp or abrupt, but slopes gradually to the south and
east, catching the first raj's of the morning sun and the equally
cheery and balmy south winds. The hill's elevation does not
exceed one hundred feet, and is underlaid with red sand stone.
It is really a plateau and gives the name Chestnut Plain to the
highway, commencing at the West brook bridge and extending
to the north line of the town.

The soil is warm and fertile, producing large crops of grass
or hoed crops. The hills west furnish a beautiful background, and
serve to ameliorate the extremes of the weather. The water is
of the best quality. It is an extremely healthy location, wholly
exempt from malarial diseases. A wide area of flat lands lies
at the base of this beautiful hill. A little ways from its base
winds the wonderfully crooked, yet beautiful stream, usually
known as Mill river, but by the Indians as Capiwonk, affording
a meadow the whole width of our town.

Then there is a continued level strip of land about one and
a half miles to the meadow that fringes the Connecticut, and
beyond are the eastern hills dotted with vdllages.

At the north we have the mountain of Sugar Loaf, and
across the river is Toby, which rear their proud heads and look

279

down upon us in their rugged beauty, crowned as their summits
are with beautiful summer houses. Still further north are the
hills of Shelburne, Colrain and Leyden, while far away to the
northeast we see the mighty Monadnock rearing its head ; be-
yond this to the southeast of Monadnock is the Wachusett, ris-
ing to the height of 2,qoo feet. Then as you turn to the south,
Holyoke and Tom stand as sentinels to guard our homes.

There are many rough and rugged hills, through clefts ot
w'hich beautiful brooks have forced their way, making some very
fine scenerv'. Among these I will onlv mention West and Roar-
ing brooks. Whoever views the West brook as it runs between
Stony hill and Chestnut mountain will be filled with wonder
when they view the effects of the many tens of thousands of
years of its continued efforts ; also they who follow Roaring
brook and take cognizance of the beautiful scener>' abounding
at the glen and a long ways up the brook, that only needs to
be seen to be admired.

These and many other beautiful places need no enconiums
from my pen. They are rich in natural beauty, and are annu-
ally visited by thousands. What a place for summer residences,
and some day we will see the old and beautiful town covered by
palatial places.

Not long since a wealthy hotel keeper remarked to me that
if he was twenty years younger he would erect a first-class sum-
mer hotel at Whately, and should consider it a good investment
for a hundred-room house. That nature had here provided one
of the finest and most desirable localities that he knew of for the
purpose.

The main street has always been known as Chestnut Plain
street even before its occupancy for residences. The views from
the south end of the village embraces the mountains Holyoke
and Tom, distant about twelve miles, with the long stretch of
meadow, and beautiful view stretching on indefinitely. The
landscape is dotted with farm houses and villages galore ; the
woodlands all in their rich vestments of green, intermingled with
finely cultivated fields, and the rugged hills hiding from view
the beautiful meadow city ; while to the east the spires of many
churches can be seen.

But I am well aware that my descriptive powers are wholly
inadequate to give an appreciative picture of the many charm-
ing views to be had here. The reader will recollect that I have
passed my eighty-second birthday, but my love for the old
home of my active life still retains its hold upon me.

28o

We here present the fine view of Hon. H. S. Allis' very
pleasant home, surrounded as it is with such a wealth of beauti-
ful trees. It is located on the east side of Chestnut Plain street,,
which is ten rods wide, on the height of that beautiful elevation
upon which the village is built. The point of view selected for
this picture seems to possess a fine artistic effect. It gives a
slight view of the cemetery, the wide street, the beautiful trees-
and the contour of the land, as well as a pleasant view of the
large and commodious house. The front house was built by his
father some years ago ; the ell part now two stories high, affords
an abundance of room. It is well divided, the apartments are,
large, finely furnished, and surrounded as it is with such magnifi-
cent shade trees, and with the beautiful elevations, flecked as
the}' are with villages, the mountains both north and south, and.
the hill at the west, makes a desirable residence.

BROOKS IN WHATELY..

There are quite a number of brooks, and as each of them
has a local name, we will give them as full}^ as we can. We
need hardly say that what we have is the result of many in-
quiries and personal investigation. Bloody brook is a tributary
of Capawong or Mill river. It empties into Mill river on the Bar-
nard farm. It rises northeast of South Deerfield, is an inconsid-
erable stream, and is famous for the massacre of Capt. Lothrop
and his company, called the "Flower of Essex."

About one-half of a mile south we have Roaring brook
which rises in Conway east of Cricket hill, flows southeasterly
through the famous Whately glen, and affords much beautiful
and wild scenery, some water power, and falls into Mill river.
Chicken brook, sometimes called Uncle Nonies' brook, rises
under Mt. Esther, and receiving some small additions, unites
with Mill river. A small brook known as Brown's brook,
crosses the road near the house of the late George Brown and
enters Mill river.

The next one south is known as Gutter Hill brook. It.
crosses Chestnut Plain street just north of the center cemeter5^
It rises west of Stony hill and, collecting the springs flowing,
from Stony hill east and Spruce hill west, empties into Mill river.
The next one south on the east side is the Great Swamp brook.
This in former times was called Little River, and crosses Chris-
tian lane just west of the house of Lemuel F. Graves, running

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28l

a few rods on his lot, then crossing the Claverack road near the
house of Sherman B. Bardwell and empties into Mill river.

The next brook, always known as Schoolhouse brook, rises
from springs under Stony hill, crosses the Chestnut Plain road
near the junction of the crossroad with Chestnut Plain road,
runs thence southeasterly and empties into Mill river. White's
brook is at the foot of the hill south of the Salmon P. White
place. The next is Frary's brook, rising in springs northwest
of Lincoln B. Sanderson's, crosses the road and runs on San-
derson's land, and running between his house and barn, finds its
way to Mill river.

Mill river, that has received all these tributaries, rises in
the eastern portion of Conway, passes into the southwest part of
Deerfield ; then through Whately and empties into the Connec-
ticu.t.river after pai?sing through Hatfield, affording some water
power in Hatfield and also in what. we call Mill river in Deer-
field. There are several large drains on the east side that dis-
charge.considerable water into it. Great Swamp drain has its
outlet across Claverack and enters Mill river, and from this junc-
tion takes the name of Little river. We have as tributaries of
Roaring brook : Clark's brook which empties east of the place
owned by Seth B. Crafts on the Easter road. Marsh's brook
which rises in the southeast part of Conway, and also Burgess
brook.

West brook rises in Conway, and the two streams that unite
to form this brook are known as Sinkpot brook and Avery's
brook. They unite in the south part of Conway, flow into the
northwest corner of Whately. and flows southeasterly to its junc-
tion with Mill river at a point near the line between Hatfield
and Whately. This stream furnishes a large amount of water
power. Its tributaries are first the Todd brook, which rises in
Conway and runs southerly east of Rufus D. Waite's, and emp-
ties into West brook. The next and largest tributary is known
as Harvey's brook. It comes from Williamsburg and has long
been used to furnish power for two sizable shops.

Poplar Hill brook is between Poplar hill and Mt. Esther.
On this brook "Silver" Joel Munson and his father, old Uncle
Mosea-Munson, had a mill for wood turning. Mitchell's brook,
a. small stream on the north side of West brook, and Potash
brook empties east of the Otis Bardwell place. This unites, or
receives several small streams that runs from under Mt. Esther
and 'Bull hill, and takes its name from Potash hill.

282

A small stream rises north of the E. S. Alunson place and
empties into West brook. Then to go back we will find a small
brook under the hill near the West Whately cemetery. Then
Munson's brook empties into West brook on the land of Otis
Bardwell ; this runs under Shingle hill and comes along near the
Haydenville road, and is sometimes called "Still brook," from
the fact that near it was one or more distilleries. All empty
into West brook. Horse Mountain brook rises in the south-
west part of Whately in that section known as Grass hill, flows
southerly into Williamsburg uniting with the Joe Wright brook.
The two united are afterwards known as Beaver brook.

The other brooks empty into the Connecticut river. Begin-
ning at the north side of the town we have what the Indians
called "Weekioannuck," but now known as Sugar Loaf brook.
This rises in South Deerfield, crosses the Whately and Sunder-
land road, near the house where Abraham Parker settled, and
runs southerly emptying into the Connecticut on land owned by
E. A. Scott's heirs. This affords power for a grist and sawmill.

Hopewell brook rises from springs under Hopewell hill and
runs southerly, crossing the road near the East cemeter}', then
crosses the River road and empties on land of S. W. Allis.
The fight known as the Swamp fight with the Indians was near
the head of this brook. It has a small tributary from a small
run near where the Wilcox house stands opposite Bartlett's cor-
ner, and also takes the water from Poplar spring. There' is a
small brook that crosses the River road near Frank D. Belden's
house. The water from all these brooks can be turned into one
channel, and has been so used at Belden's mill. There is a
small one near the south line of the town, near the Shajdor F.
Belden place, sometimes called the Great Drain from Hopewell.

NAMES OF HILLS AND LOCALITIES.

"Old fields," so called, is a piece of ground tolerably level
and rather free from stone, lying west of the Giles Dickinson
house. These were old cultivated fields when the town was first
settled. It is evident that the Indians planted the land for per-
haps ages upon ages, as many relics of their manufacture were
found here. Miron Dickinson found a complete stone pot or
bowl and thoughtlessly broke it to pieces ^^dth his hoe. Arrow
heads and other utensils such as pestles for pounding their corn,
etc., were found here, and near "old fields" was an Indian resi-
dent known as old Samson Johnson. He had three sons that i

283

1

recollect as late as about 1S30 to '35, Eph, Dave and Cyrus.
They used to work for the farmers by the month or other.vays.

Beach island is located east of the Barnard farm and is a
barren spot in Great swamp. It is related of a man named
Tr\-on that he lived there in a shanty for sometime to escape
arrest. Swamp hill is on the east side of Mill river lying mostly
on the farms of Jonathan W. and Wells Dickinson and the Scott
brothers, Frank O. and Lewis.

Staddle hill is northwest from George E. Sanderson's, on
the road to Conway, this side of Long pond woods. Indian
hill ; this name has long attached to this hill. Here Adoniiah
Taylor built his house, a gristmill and sawmill, which is now
owned by George E. Sanderson.

The widow Waite's woods are west of Ambrose Scott's
place and south of "old fields." A place much frequented by
partridges and squirrels. The name Widow Waite's woods is de-
rived from the widow of John Waite, son of Benjamin, the Indian
scout. Capt. Salmon White married her daughter, Mary Waite.
The mother, after the death of her husband, lived some years
with Capt. White and wife, and she died iS Aug., 1791. aged
ninety-nine years. She owned this lot and the name still clings
to that portion covered with wood. I think it is on lot Xo. 66,
fourth division of Commons.

Weller hill is we-.-t of Asa and Noah Dickinson's places.
It takes its name from its first owner, Richard Weller. The
Park is the hill east of the Easter road to Conway and is mostly
in a pasture owned by the Scott brothers. It extends into the
northwest corner of the Doctor Harwood farm.

Mount Esther, or Easter as it is generally called, is the
range of hill or hills lying north of Irving AUis' place. This
eminence was called Easter from some woman who had a dairy
and sugarhouse camp or ranch. Her name was spelled Esther,
but that was pronounced Easter in those early days. Such
dairy houses were frequently established where an abundance of
good grazing lands were found, and as much of the sugar used
was home made so Hatfield people went to the sugar trees and
boiled the sap, and this hill has always been a famous place for
grazing and for maple sugar making.

Bull hill commences north of the residence of George Dick-
inson and extends north into the Doctor Harwood farm, now
owned by W. P. Crafts. Spruce hill is a fertile and excellent
tract of land extending nearly or quite to the West brook.

284

Stony hill ; this long range of hills west of Chestnut Plain
street about a mile and a half, full of stones and ledges, is
wholly unfit for cultivation and kept mostly for wood. Over the
west side there are pastures. The hill extends from opposite
the old meeting-house to the West brook, back of Round knoll
and Round hill. Chestnut mountain ; this is a remarkably fer-
tile elevation, and the "West brook seems to have worn a channel
through between Stony hill and the mountain. This seems ap-
parent to the most careless observ-er.

Round hill, so called from its singular form, is east of the
lower end of Stony hill and rises some 200 feet above its eastern
base. Round knoll, just north of Round hill, is similar in its
configuration to Round hill, but not so high into probably fifty
or seventy-five feet. This last is about west from the Luke B.
White place. Going west from Chestnut mountain is Shingle
hill, which lies south of Paul W. Field's, extending into Wil-
liamsburg. On this hill Nathan Waite and his son, Jeremiah,
lived in 1782; after them Benjamin, a son of Jeremiah, then
Gilbert Smith and his son, Harwood Smith. Now the house is
torn down and the road discontinued.

Hog mountain lies west of Willis F. Waite's house and C.
E. Bardwell's, and south to Grass hill. This hill was thus
named from a party of hunters from Hatfield ; w^hile on this hill
they were frightened by hearing some sounds that thej^ mistook
for the guttural sounds of Indians; they fled hastily to Hatfield.
The alarm was given and a squad of men fully armed started to
investigate. They carefully went to where the hunters had first
heard what they had thought proceeded from Indians, and they
soon found that the ominous sounds came from an old sow while
suckling her pigs. From this circumstance this eminence has
since borne the euphonious name of Hog mountain.

Grass hill is south and west of Hog mountain. It has a
fertile soil and at one time had quite a number of houses. It is
now principally used for pasturage. In mj^ opinion the best soil
adapted to apples and other fruit growing of anj^ portion of- the
town.

The Pinnacle ; a high hill or summit north of Grass hill
and south of wh.it is known as New Connecticut, which extends
most up to the John Starks or Caleb Beals place, on the old
Williamsburg road, and west of Samuel Sanderson's place.

Dr}' hill, running north from the old John Starks place into
Conway, where first lived Jonathan and Amasa Edson and after

285

them Orange and Chester Bardwell. The name was given in
consequence of its being overrun by fire, destroying the wood.

Poplar hillis that hill extending north from the Baptist meet-
ing-house, past the Chester Brown place and on northerly into
Conway. It is east of the West brook and west of Easter; an
excellent fruit growing section. The road takes its name from
this hill.

Pleasant hill, where George Dickinson now resides. This
place aiifords one of the finest views of the Connecticut River
Valley, embracing many towns east of the river. Coon's Den,"
west of Irving Allis' house, a rough, rugged, ledgy locality
filled with loose rocks, affording a cover for wild animals ; for-
merly a great place for coons, wild-cats and other animals to
escape pursuit, and reach a place of refuge. Gutter hill, near
the center cemeter5^ has reference only to the roadway.

Dr. Dickin.son's hill ; this is the hill west of Christian Lane
bridge over Mill river as you go to the centre. The Doctor
lived on the Cahdn S. Loomis place several years before [800.
Chestnut Plain hill has sometimes been called an unsavory
name in consequence of the great number of geese that were
pastured on its wide plats of grass. It seemed in my younger
days pretty sharp work to avoid their droppings. Mill hill, as
you rise from Chestnut Plain road to the mill near E. C.
Warner's.

Great Swamp Bridge hill, on Claverack road as you go north
from the Gad Crafts place, just beyond the Egypt road, has been
graded so the ascent is slight. Trumbul's hillis the knoll south
of the Stephen Belden place and north of the Gilbert place. It
has often been said that a man by the name of Trumbul was
killed here by the Indians.

Burying Ground hill, near the east cemeter>'. This is the
ascent from the meadows up Kopewell hill to the Straits, and
only refers to the road. White's hill, where Capt Salmon
White settled. Alpha Dickinson hill, only a reference to the
Chestnut Plain road as you go south toward Schooltiouse brook,
from where Ashley G. Dickinson lives.

Old Boy hill, a rise in the Grass hill road thirty rods or so
west of where Luther Thompson's house stood. Hopewell hill
is the hill that rises from the meadows to the second level. It
extends the entire width of the town, and it rises about fifty feet
on an average.

Egypt is that portion of the Egypt road from about twenty-

286 ,

five rods east of the Connecticut River railroad and continues
across the wet land to the point where the Mother George road
leaves it. There was for many years a heavy growth of hem-
lock and pine trees that grew along both sides of the roadway,
and near it the overhanging branches shut out the light, so that
at night it was as dark as Egypt. Hence the name.

Christian Lane proper is understood to refer only to the
houses east of the Lane bridge to the houses of Moses and Levi
Graves, now owned by Fied L. and L. F. Graves, while it is
sometimes alluded to as the Lane road from Bartlett's corner to
the railroad station. While west of the station to the crossing
of the Northampton extension has always been spoken of as the
causeway. This was corduroyed before 1788, as my mother has
often told of riding over it in an ox cart when the family re-
moved to Christian Lane. Why it should be designated "Chris-
tian" I don't know for certain, but presume from the fact that
Deacon Simeon Waite, the earliest settler, was a stanch old-,
school Christian, whose mouth was always giving pious exhor-
tations even while he dealt out liquor by the jug full or con-
cocted the beverage of the times, "phlipp," to his ungodly cus-
tomers.

Straits. This is a portion of the Deerfield road contained
between Bartlett's corners south to and including the houses of
Josiah Gilbert and Benjamin Bacon. The reason of its name,
"The Straits," is supposed to be that it was a strip of land that
was dr}', making a fine roadway between the wet lands both east
and west of it, Hopewell proper and Great Swamp. This last
until drained was very wet. For a long time it was the most
populous portion of the town, being the traveled route to the
north, and had at one time two quite large stores and three
hotels.

Canterbury'' was so called as early as 17 18 and probably
earlier, but I can give no reason for its name. It is now spoken
of as including the S. W. Allis place to the Deerfield line.

Claverack probably takes its name from some fancied re-
semblance to Claverack, N. Y. It is level, free from stone and
airly fertile. In the time of the Revolutionary war we had a
squad of Whately men located at Claverack, N. Y.

Dead Meadow is a portion of land west of the road to South
Deerfield and south of the John Waite farm house on that road.
Its peculiarity that gives it the name is that it has no wood
growing upon it, but to the extent of some acres is covered with

2^7

a coarse sedsre that has sometimes been mo^ed for bedding for

the stables; while all about it is a heavy growth of wood,
has been its condition from the earliest tradition.

This

CHAPTER XVI.

PHYSICIANS OF WHATELY.

As I look upon the subject I am inclined to think that a
good doctor is of more importance than a full fledged minister,
even though he is dubbed a Doctor of Divinity. For many
years it has seemed that the man of pills accomplished more
than the tinkerer of theology. I suppose this is all according as
we view these matters. Those who differ from me and still be-
lieve that the claim they have always made that they have a
divine call, are certainly entitled to the privilege of thinking as
the}- do. I'.ut our kind-hearted, noble physician, who braves
heat and cold, rain or snow, day or night, seemingly only desir-
ous to relieve suflfering ; and perhaps at the dead of night com-
pelled to leave his comfortable home and hasten to the bedside
of the suffering, and with cheering and hopeful words strives to
allay the fears of both patient and surrounding friends. He
thus strengthens the courage of the sufferer, and then by the
giving of some simple remedy great good results. Such ef-
forts tell upo 1 us all; while of the other class, I only wish I
could say something of them of a similar nature.

Our first doctor was Perez Chapin. He was with us ten
3'ears and left his mark upon our 3'oung town. He was con-
stant in his efforts to help the cause of independence, as well as
to cheer the hearts of the despondent or the sufferings of those
who were really suffering from disease. When he came to
Whately, in 1778, it was a dark time for the patriots, and his
voice was often raised in words of encouragement ; thus he did

289

all that he could to help on the good cause. His first child was
born in Whately in November, 177S.

Dr. Benjamin Dickinson came from Sunderland in 17S7,
and bought the Abial Bragg property, the present Calvin S.
Loomis place, and remained here until 1S04, being quite promi-
nent as a physician. He was born about 1740, and was about
forty-five years old when he came to Whately. He remained
here about seventeen years, so was about sixty-five to sixty-seven
years old when he removed to Hudson, X. Y. During his stay
in town a Dr. Oliver Norton came in 17SS, but left in 17S9. Of
him I haven't even a tradition, and do not know where he came
from or where he went.

Dr. Francis Harwood came in 1794 at the age of thirty-one
years. He had married his wife in Belchertown, and two chil-
dren were born before they came here. He was a fine talker,
of gentlemanly appearance; a smart, well-balanced man. He
continued his practice till near the end of his life, 20 May. 1835,
aged seventy-two years. He was a Free Mason. His oldest
son, Joshua Dickinson Harwood, was educated for the profes-
sion and practised with his father. He died in 1820, his habits
not being favorable to longevity.

Dr. Chester Bardwell came to Whately from Hatfield in
1S16, and built his house on the corner of Chestnut Plain
street and West lane, or Lover's lane. This street was
laid after he had built, a couple of years or so. He
continued to practice his profession until his death, 14 May,
1864. He was a man that the town took a decided interest in,
sending him three times to the House of Representatives, and
twice the county made him their senator. He was a noble man.

Dr. Miron Har^vood was a son of Dr. Francis. After graduat-
ing from his medical schools he commenced practice in his na-
tive town, and at once secured a fair practice. His pleasant
address, his ability as a surgeon, the tender touch of his hands
seeming to have a soothing effect on every one needing surgical
assistance, as well as his success as a physician, made him ex-
tremely popular. Our two long-life doctors, Harwood and Bard-
well, are as yet honored names in our town.

The next doctor was James Hannum. He came from
Westfield about the time of Dr. Harwood's decease in 1877.
He only stayed a little over a year, and was succeeded by Dr.
James D. Seymour, in 1878. He is a son of Dr. Seymour of
Greenfield. He has probably had a better preparatory practice

290

than any of his predecessors, and aside from his studies and tios-
pital practice, has undoubtedly superior natural abilit}- to prac-
tice his honored profession. On the whole, Whately is to be
congratulated upon having had so many skillful physicians.

BOATING ox THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.

The portion of the boating which we more particularly
wish to mention is in relation to those firms who owned the
boats that our town was interested in. These were owned by
Stockbridge, Culver & Co.. and later Stockbridge, Allen &
Root. Mr. Stockbridge was of Whately, while Allen and Root
were of Greenfield. They owned a large number of boats of
a size to carry about fifty tons. These were generally rigged
with a mast and carried one sail of a considerable size, and
when the wind was southerly they came up the river at a ver%'
pleasant rate of speed.

The companies also owned several small steamers with a
power sufficient to bring the loaded boats up the river. These
steamers were made expressly for towing, with the wheel on the
stern. The Ariel Cooley was a stern wheeler, ninety feet long
and eighteen feet wide, with two high-pressure engines of
twenty horse power each. This enableU the boats to make com -
paratively quick trips. When other companies' boats offered
they often towed them up.

The work of boating usually commenced in the spring as
:>oon as the water was low enough for the steamers to pass under
the bridges between Northampton and Hadley. Sunderland and
Deerfield. The boats, when I first became acquainted with
thera, used to load and unload at Belden's ferry. About 1834 a
dock or wharf was built directly east of David Stockbridge's
new hotel ; a great improvement on the landing place at Bel-
den's ierry.

My father was engaged in the manufacture of stoneware
pottery. The clay came from New Jersey and from Hartford by
these river boats, and when two or three boat loads came at a
time he would have twelve to fifteen teams at work drawing it
to the factory, about three miles away. We usually kept a
yoke of oxen to help up the hill, and a boy like myself to drive
them, so I write from my own obsen-ation.

Prior to the use of the steam tugs the boatmen, when the
winds were not favorable, had to resort to what they called a
"white ash breeze," meaning white ash poles about two inches

2gr

in diameter, nicely turned from the best of timber, with a socket
spike at the lower end and a nice head on the upper end for the
shoulder; these were from twelve to twenty feet in length. On
each side of the boat was what they called the "wale." This
was raised about three and one-half feet above the bottom of the
boat, and was a walk some eighteen inches wide; so on the
wale of the boat the men walked when poling the boat up the
stream. I used to see two men on a side when poling the boat.

Thev used to bring all the heavv lading from Hartford,
landing it where it was most convenient for the merchant or
manufacturer, and the return freights were made up of wood,
shingles, staves, wooden ware and fine lumber, brooms and
other manufactured material, hops, nuts, etc. They were taken
on at the landing places, sometimes a boat would take down
hundreds of dozens of brooms piled on top of the other heavy
freight. In the latter half of the eighteenth century there were
large quantities of beef in barrels sent on these river boats for
shipment to the West Indies. This industn' furnished employ-
ment for a good number of men, as the slaughtering and the
coopering was all done at the Straits. Gad Smith was the
leading spirit in the beef business.

David Stockbridge had charge of all the boating interests
in the section above Northampton to Greenfield, or Cheapside;
and I will close this condensed account by giving the
brief allusion of my life-long friend, Capt. Tim Dewey. He
says: "I have many pleasant remembrances of Mr. Stock-
bridge. His table was always well loaded with the best of fare;
and this, with his open, pleasant countenance and relish for .i
good joke, especially a boatman's joke, was a strong inducement
to all of his men to reach Stdckbridge wharf in time for meals
and, peradventure, to spend the night. He was very accommo-
dating to all his customers and would make great sacrifices in
order to take along their freight 'dy the next boat.' For this
purpose the old white horse and gig would spin up and down
the valley at a marvelous rate of speed at all times of day or
night ; and yet while courteous, he was dignified and con-
servative, commanding the respect of all." Mr. Stockbridge
had an interest in boating and rafting as early as 1800, and per-
haps earlier. If he came into possession of his father's interest,
and this seems quite probable, he may have been engaged in
boating even before his marriage."

292 -

INNKEEPERS, OR ORDINARY KEEPERS.

Public inns for rest and refreshment are as old as civilized
society. Some of the earliest laws passed by the Massachusetts
Colony relate to this subject, and are here copied: "In 1634,
3 Sept. It is ordered that no person that keeps an ordinary- shall
take above 6d a meal for a person, and not above id for an ale
quart of beer out of meal time, under the penalty of los for every
offence, either of diet or beer. Tvike\Ait>e that victualers, or
keepers of an ordinary, shall not suffer any tobacco to be taken
in their houses, under the penalty of 5s for every offence, to be
paid by the victualer, and i2d by the party that takes it."
"1635, 4 March. It is ordered that no person whatsoever shall
keep a common victualing house, without license from the court,
under the penalty of 20s a week." "1638, 6 Sept.. The inn-
keepers, or ordinary- keepers, shall have liberty to brew the beer
which they sell in their houses, or to agree with the brewer as
they can."

The first settlers in the valley used great care in the selec-
tion of their innkeepers. Men of high character — perhaps the
oldest deacon, and only old men were chosen deacons then —
were licensed to sell wine to persons "in real need." In March,
167S, Samuel Partridge had liberty to sell liquors "to the neigh-
bors," "for their helpfulness," first in Hadley, and after 16S5,
in Hatfield. The county court always held its sessions at the
inns; and it not only required good men to be licensed, but it
required them to keep good liquors. In 1674, Nathaniel Ely,
ordinary keeper at Springfield, was fined 40s "for not keeping
beer that was according to law," made with four bushels of bar-
ley malt to the hogshead.

The laws forbidding the sale of strong waters of ever>' kind
to the Indians, were strict, and were commonly enforced ; though
sometimes the temptation to exchange six quarts of rum for a
good beaver skin, or one quart for two fathoms of wampum, was
more than a trader could resist. An illicit traffic was carried on
with the natives, greatly to their injury and the injury- of the
whites. And though Indian testimony was not commonly
allowed in court, yet in this matter, the General Court in
1666, ordered, that "If any Indian do accuse any person of
telling or delivering strong drink unto them, such Indian
accusation shall be accounted valid against any such persons
accused."

293

In 1670 a law was passed enjoining the selectmen of towns
to take special care and notice of all and every person, cr
persons, that spend their time and estates by drinking and
tippling in taverns and alehouses and require him or them to for-
bear frequenting such houses or taverns; and if, after such
warning, any person be legally convicted of drunkenness and
misspending precious time and estate, he shall forfeit 5s for
every offence, or sit in the stocks, as the judges shall see meet.

"Wine and beer were the liquors first imported from England.
Brandy was distilled from the wine ; and a strong liquor, called
usquebaugh, was made from beer. Barbadoes rum, from the
West Indies, came in use as early as 1650. New England rum,
made from molasses, was in use about 1700.

TAVERNS IN WHATELY.

The first "baiting place" in town was "Poplar Spring,"
situated about forty rods north of the Zebina Bartlett place,
on the Indian trail. Teamsters in going between Northampton
and Deerfield, would take with them the feed for their cattle
and lunch for themselves, and stop here for the noon rest and
refreshment.

Daniel Morton opened a house of entertainment for the
emigrants on their way to settle the districts of Conway, soon
after he built, in 1759, and kept a tavern for many years.

John Lamson is named as an innkeeper in 1779. His house
stood a little north of where Samuel Lesure now lives. John
Crafts succeeded Mr. Lamson, probably in 1788. In 1789 he
was taxed on "faculty," or income, 8d. He kept accounts with
his regular customers by a chalk score; a long mark was his
charge for a mug of flip, a short mark for half a mug.

Samuel Grimes had an inn in connection with his store as
early as 1798.

Elijah Allis opened a tavern at the house opposite Reuben
Winchell's brick dwelling house, in 181S; he afterwards kept
tavern on the corner west of the old meeting-house.

Gad Smith kept a house of entertainment, in connection
with his store, in the Straits. He was in business as earh- as
1779. His faculty tax in 17S9 was 4s. A few years later, Joel
Waite, known far and near as "Landlord Waite," opened a
tavern in the Straits, which was a noted stopping place for
stages, when these public conveyances were first started. His
faculty tax in 1789 was is 8d.

294

David Stockbridge, Jr., bought the David Graves place in
the Straits, and opened a tavern, perhaps as ear^.y as 1803. He
continued in the business here till 1833, when he opened a public
house at his new stand, on the river road.

As earh' as 1794 Joshua Belden opened a tavern at his
dwelling house, which was continued by his sons for several
years.

In the west part ot the town. Lieut. Noah Bardwell kept a
tavern at his house on the Poplar hill road. The records show
that he was in the business from 17S3 to 1799.

Charles Dickinson built and occupied the Oliver Graves
place, in Christian lane, as a tavern from iSoj to 1S03.

Deacon Simeon Waite built the house where Calvin S.
Loomis now lives before or in 1764. This he opened as a hotel
and sold spirituous liquors, like Samuel Partridge, to the neigh-
bors "For their helpfulness" I suppose; by the mug or half
mug, or rum by the quart or gallon. He and his son kept some
groceries up to about 1785 or thereabouts.

As Mr. Temple gave the list down to 182 1 we will continue
it to the present time :

Elijah Allis, 1S21 to 1S30;

Levi Bush, Jr., 1S30 until 1841 ;

Samuel Lesure, about two years ;

Jehiel Barron, who died in 1846 ;

Rufus Mosher, two or three years ;

A Mr. Philips, one year ;

Rufus Smith, perhaps one year;

Loren Hayden, came in the spring of 1851; removed to
South Deerfield 1856 ;

Darius Stone, probably followed Hayden for two years ;

Ralph Childs, I do not know how long, died 12 Dec.,. 1867 ;

William Baker, for several years ;

John C. Faulkner, two years ;

E. F. Orcutt, several years;

Martin Aldrich ;

Michael Morrisey ;

Edward Lyons ;

Joshua F. King, a couple of years :

Joseph LaChapelle ;

Patrick Morrise}', Jr., 1898 to the present time.
This is as near as I can recall the various landlords.

295

The second hotel that was opened by Capt. Luke Wells at
the residence built by his father. Rev. Rufus Wells, about 1830
to 1832. Capt. Wells was the first landlord, but he built over
the ell part, adding several sleeping apartments and a large hall
well adapted to the wants of the portion of our communit}- that
didn't think it wicked to dance, and rented the hotel to Royal
J. Bardwell, and he associated with him Lloyd Look and they
kept the hotel for some years. They were followed by Silas
Rice.

In the meantime the upper hotel had passed into other hands
and the sign "Temperance House," that had been used to de-
note the principles of its occupants, was hauled down and liquors
of all kinds were sold, and the lower house ceased to be a hotel.

Now "The Old Homestead," a new hotel, has been opened
this present year, undertaking to cater to the wants of out-of-
town parties and city company. It is a nice, clean place, free
from the crowd that too often hangs about a hotel. Mr. Fox
fully understands its needs, and any party favoring him with a
call will be treated in a courteous and gentlemanly manner by
mine host and his assistants.

UMBER AND SIEXNA.

The following description of the locality and character of
this ocherous ore of iron, is taken mainly from a statement of
Prof. C. U. Shepard. '"These valuable pigments form a thin
stratum, or bed, near the residence of Deacon Elihu Belden and
cover about half an acre of ground. The deposit presents itself
immediately below the turf, forming a somewhat irregular stra-
tum, of from thirty inches to seven feet in thickness. The
chemical character of the deposit, taken in connection with its
geological position, leads me to believe that it originated in the
out-flow at this place of a strong chalybeate, or iron spring. It
contains from fifty to seventy per cent of iron. The natural
colors of the unburnt material vary from the most intense ochre-
yellow, through the paler shades of the same, into many varie-
ties of red and clove-brown, including the much prized sienna-
brown. Each of these colors may be obtained apart at the local-
ity, by a careful working of the bed, while by blending them in
different proportions, their number may be greatly augmented.
This bed was discovered by accident upwards of fifty years ago,
and was then prepared in a rude way and used to some extent
for staining floors and plastered walls. It was rediscovered,

296

also by accident, in 1S64; and appears to need only skillful
manipulation to become a valuable pigment for fresco painting
and all the uses of the best Italian sienna."

GALENA. .

A vein of sulphuret of lead, which promises to be of some
commercial value, exists in the west part of the town. Strictly
speaking, there appears to be three distinct veins of this metal,
but only two of them have been explored to any extent. One
is found on the westerly margin of Poplar hill and extends into
Conway ; the other is on the easterly side of Hog mountain, and
may be traced for three-fourths of a mile. A cross vein has
been discovered on land of Edwin Bard well. The usual width
of the vein is from six to eight feet, traversing the granite for-
mation, and is found disseminated in masses in quartz. In the
southern part it contains oxide of manganese along with the
galena.

In 1S65, 30,000 pairs men's wool hose were manufactured,
of the value of $14,000. In 1837, the value of the palm leaf hats
made was ^7,500.

POSTMASTERS IX WHATELY.

A postoffice was established in Whately in 1S14, and Reuben
Winchell was the first postmaster. He kept the office in his
store. He had built the house where Peter Donovan now lives,
and used the southeast room as a store and postoffice. The
next postmaster was Elijah Allis ; at first the office was kept in
the store in the house now owned by William Cahill. In 1820
Mr. Allis built the Whately hotel, the postoffice being then
kept in the barroom or office.

In 1830 Levi Bush was appointed postmaster, and in 1841
he was succeded b}' Samuel Lesure who occupied the office from
that year, with the exception of four years that Dennis Dickin-
son held the office, until his advanced age compelled his resig-
nation, after which his daughter, Mrs. Samuel B. White, was
appointed. She attended to the principal office work, while Mr.
Lesure continued to pass out the mail, until his memory of faces
and names seemed to fade away. Even,'one respected and
honored him to the last. Mrs. White held the office nearly
three years, and she was succeeded by Micajah Howes in 1892.
The office is now at the store of Mr. Howes and his son, Ryland
C. Howes ; an arrangement that is perfectly satisfactory to our
people.

297

While at East Whately there has been quite a number hold-
ing the position of postmaster, as will be seen by the appended
list, some of whom were the nominal postmasters, while an
assistant transacted the business. The first was David Stock-
bridge, then Josiah Allis, Miles B. Morton, Caleb L. Thayer,
Horace H. Hastings, Elihu Belden, L. L. Eaton, Eugene E.
Woods, John H. Pease, Henn,' C. Ashcraft and now James A.
Woods.

Since Miles B. Morton the ofhce has been kept by the party
who occupied the store near the railroad station, and as these
have sold out they have recommended their successors without
regard to their partizan affiliations.

I want to add a few words relative to postage rates and the
mail facilities of away back in my boyhood days, and back of
that even. Prior to the establishment of a postoffice in Whately
letters addressed to a party living in Whately, would be left at
Northampton or Hatfield, and would be advertised in the Hamp-
shire Gazette, and the owner would send for it and pay the post-
age, unless it was prepaid, which was not often done.

The rates charged, as I recall them, for a letter sent to a
distance not exceeding thirty miles was six cents ; not exceed-
ing eighty miles, ten cents; above eighty and not exceeding one
hundred and fifty miles, twelve and one-half cents ; then from
above one hundred and fifty miles and less than four hundred
miles, eighteen and three-fourths cents ; and all above four hun-
dred miles, twenty-five cents in our own country. This is in
accord with my recollection, and as far as I recollect the bulk
of the postage was paid by the recipient. Really there were
but few letters passed between relatives and friends unless some-
one was coming to our town or going from there to the place of
residence of a relative, and many letters would be sent in that
way, with long drawn out details of the local news.

Newspapers were small, with little or no local news, and it
was seldom that one was found in the mail bags. The mail, a
weekly affair, went from Buckland to Northampton one day and
back the next, and it was a large mail for our town when over
ten or twelve letters were received for the week, and this was
the way things went until about 1831.

About 1S38 a line of stages, known as the telegraph line,
carrying the daily mail from Springfield to Haverhill, N. H.,
was started. By the completion of the Great swamp road to
South Deerfield in 1836, the grading of the hills through the

298

center of the town and the activity of such men as Col. R. B.
Howard, Drs. Bardwelland Howard, Levi Bush, Thomas Crafts,
Leander Clark and others the line was run through the center
of the town, rela\'s of horses for ever\' ten miles enabling them
to make ten miles an hour.

Then about 1S3S we had a daily mail, and the greater part
of the time since the building of the Connecticut River railroad
we have had two mails a day. In the meantime prepayment of
all postal matter is incumbent upon the sender. The wonderful
increase in mail facilities and the reduction of the postal rates to
two cents has a wonderful effect upon our community and it is
now a necessity, as is the daily newspaper. All these things
tend to broaden the views of men, make them social and
humane ; they know what is occurring the wide world over.
The influence educationally and the civilizing effects upon our
people is above my ability to estimate.

THE FIRST TEMPERANCE SOCIETY IN WHATELY.

In 1 82 8 an auxiliary' temperance society was formed on the
basis or plan of the Hampshire County Temperance Societ3\
They adopted the rules and articles of the county society, the
third article being, "That the members of this association shall
abstain from the use of ardent spirits except when rendered nec-
essary as a medicine ; and they shall not allow the use of them
in their families, nor provide them for the entertainment of our
friends or for persons in our employment, and they shall use all
suitable means to discountenance the use of them in the com-
munity," "The stated meetings shall be held annually the last
Tuesda}' of September, and other meetings as may be called by
the executive committee." This is but an abstract of the really
important portion of the pledge.

The following are the names of the male members whose
names are attached to it :

Rev. Lemuel P. Bates, Jeremiah Belden,

Stephen Clark, Moses H. Leonard,

Jeremiah Waite, Samuel Lesure,

Levi Bush, Jr., David Morton,

David Saunders, Horace Frary,

David Wells, Jr., Barnabas Alden,

Amasa Lamson, Simeon Reed,

Justus White, William Graves,

Elijah L Leonard, Osee Munson,

299

Reuben Belden, Roswell Train,

Benjamin Cooley. Chester Bardwell, 2d,

Francis Belden,

In all twenty-four men, and they are all dead. The ladies
numbered ninety, all of whom are dead.

The first temperance society was simply an individual
pledge to abstain trom the use of intoxicating drinks as a bever-
age and only to be used for medicinal purposes. Soon after the
attempt was made to prevent its purchase by their neighbors
unless at wholesale ; first the quantity must be five gallons, then
fifteen gallons, and later they tried to prohibit altogether its sale
and of course its use. These different enactments caused much
discussion and not a little bad blood.

About 1S41 the Washingtonian movement was commenced,
and reached high-water mark in the course of the next two
years, and probably three-fourths of the people of Whately
entered into the movement to try moral arguments and appeals
to young and old to refrain from the use of spirits; and the town
was alive to respond to these sentiments. We were taught to
help uplift the victims of the "rum habit" and to treat them as
brothers. In a few years this boom died away, and they then
fell back to the coercive principle again, and the old war of
words was again inaugurated. A few joined the Sons of Tem-
perance, some the Good Templars, but to join either they had
to go to South Deerfield.

Why the leaders did not do something to promote the cause
of temperance in our midst is unaccountable. They seemed to
think that the church was all sufficient as an instrument to pro-
mote good social improvement and temperate living. Alas, for
their mistake ! As a result we see the town uniformly voting
"Yes" on the question of license. Most people learn by expe-
rience that it is far better to rule by love than fear ; that concili-
aton,' action often captures the obdurate when coercive measures
fail.

It seems strange that in so beautiful and healthful a town
as my own native town, that any other than a temperate and
moral community could be found within its borders; but I will
not fill any space by my moralizing.

It seems that now there are no organizations, at least so far
as I know, outside of the Women's Christian Temperance asso-
ciation. This is composed of many of the best and most efficient

300

workers in our town, fully alive and energetically pursuing their
work which I certainly hope will accomplish much good.

In regard to the men who joined the first society we will
say that the bulk of them remained sturdy advocates of temper-
ance during their lives. One was a hard arinker and died a sot ;
two others keot a hotel and sold alcoholic drinks to all who
wished, but on the whole they turned out pretty well.

SOCIETY FOR THE AMELIORATION OF THE CONDITION

OF THE JEWS.

This was a name given to a society formed about 1S23, the
object seemed to be for each person who joined the association to
pa\- into the local treasury one cent per week, or fifty-two cents
per annum, and this was paid over to the county treasurer and
so on to the general treasurer of the state, but what disposition
was then made of the funds I do not know. Neither do I know
how many years this societ}' existed.

It seems that Rev. Lemuel P. Bates was at the head of this
organization, and forty-seven of his church members were on
the roll for fifty-two cents each, only one giving anj' more; Jo-
seph Sanderson doubled that sum. I have a full list of the
names but do not care to copy them, as payments^for missionary
purposes are not ven>- popular even to this day.

There is an abundance of opportunities for doing good
right in our midst without sending some good, strong man that
would make a fair farmer or mechanic to some foreign land to be
supported in idleness because he hat^ been to college where he
added little but a smattering of Greek, Latin, or some other
dead language to his stock of knowledge. Then they study
theolog}', and it seems that the principal thing they learn is to
avoid the penalty placed on man, that by the sweat of his brow
he should earn his bread. There are still in most of our towns
a few who bestow time and money for the support of these drones
in society.

MILITIA.

After the close of the war with Great Britain in 1814, all
males between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years had to
do duty either in a uniformed independent or those enrolled men
in what we used to call such ununiformed companies the
"Floodwood militia." Every male citizen between the ages of
eighteen and forty-five unless a cripple physically or mentally,
or minister of the gospel, or a physician was compelled to do'

-J

53
03

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>

75

■X.

2i

O

3

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military duty. That is was required when duly warned to meet
at the time and place specified, with all the necessary equip-
ments; that is a gun, bayonet, cartridge box, belt, two flints,
priming wire and brush. If deficient in any of these things he
was liable to a fine which was at once assessed upon him. They
usually met for the May training at i o'clock, p. m., and their
equipments examined, and then they were drilled in marching
by company and platoon. The music was a fife, a snare drum
and base drum. Some kept fair time with the music, and if
they could all have been in one section they would have ap-
peared pretty well. ' But alas, such a mess as they made of it!
Then they always met for a day just before the general muster;
this was usually held at Northampton and was a great occasion.
This continued up to 1835, the year that I was old enough
to be a soldier. At that time the whole thing was so unpopular
that no one could be found to serve as an officer. James S.
Whitney then of South Deerfield, I think was colonel of the reg-
iment, and he appointed a day for meeting for the election of
oflBcers — captain, lieutenant and ensign — and we were duly
warned to appear and fill the vacancies ; and Col. Whitney pre-
sided. The company met at the hotel of Capt. Luke Wells.
We all knew Gen. Whitney, and when the company was formed
in line, the general gave us his views in pretty plain English and
the necessity of a proper effort to elect good efficient men that
would reflect honor upon our company as well as the town;
that he should not allow any acts of insubordination, etc., etc.
Then the ballots were collected and a captain was elected, but
he as promptly declined the honor ; then the votes were again
cast and another one was chosen, and he also declined to serve,
and so one after another was chosen, but no one was elected ex-
cept those who it was well understood would not ser\'e ; and at
last the presiding ofiicer was convinced that it was useless to
continue his efforts any longer and he, after a few deprecatory
remarks, gave the order, "Right about face," and then "For-
VN'ard, march." We were on the west side of the main street
which is ten rods wide, and near the east side of the street
Capt. Wells had a long pile of manure some four or five rods
long and probably three and one-half or four feet high, and when
we reached that dizzy height the word "Halt" came, and then
"You are dismissed." Now what a shout was heard, and for a
time there was some prettv loud talk between the officer and the
men.

302

That was the last of the training in Whately until after the
close of the war, when those liable for duty in Williamsburg
and Whately were ordered to meet and organize by choosing
the needed ofhcers. They met at Kaydenville and elected a full
complement of officers. Charles R. Crafts, a veteran soldier,
was elected captain and properly commissioned They met a
few times, but the whole thing fell through, the act being re-
pealed, and since then militarism has been at a low ebb.

POLITICAL PARTIES.

Party spirit has alwa3's run pretty high, each partisan seem-
ing to think, at any rate act, as though the welfare of the
country hinged upon his individual action, and each party could
only be satisfied as they succeeded in downing the other fellows,
but much of the time it was "nip and tuck," sometimes one,
then the other; and so, of course, the country was on the high
road to success, or otherways ruin was imminent.

The ordinary voter neither knew nor cared for anj' of the
principles underlying our country's needs. They were simply
true-blue Democrats or iron-clad Whigs. Both parties were
opposed to the so-called Abolitionists, and the leac^ers did not
mean to allow such disturbers of the peace as Parker Pillsbury,
or any of that kind of lecturers to even speak in town, and they
mobbed Mr. Pillsbury, using such convincing arguments as eggs
that had been kept too long for other uses, and he had to make
his escape as best he could to save life and limb. Persecution
of this sort only fed the fires of the anti-slaver}' party. I could
name the parties who thus determined to squelch free discus-
sion, but I think it hardly necessary.

The division of the parties usually carried the greater bulk
of the family of that name, as the Allis families were Democrats
so were the Crafts and Dickinson families, and the Whites up
to 1840. The Sandersons, descendants from Isaac, were all
Democrats, while descendants of Deacon Thomas were Federal-
ists, then Whigs ; the Frary families always affiliated with the
Feds and then the Whigs ; the Beldens about evenly divided ;
the Harwoods, Feds then Whigs ; the Browns were divided, as
were the Bardwells and Graves; and so they run, and so they
fought as bittej ly as intense politicians could, even as to who
should fill a town office.

When the Abolitionists had secured some sixteen voters,
all men of fine abilities who professed to be governed by high

303

moral influence and principles, they would unite with the Dem-
ocrats, and thus be able to outnumber tbe Whigs by about two
v^otes.

In 1842 Thomas Xash, an intelligent anti-slaver\' man, was
run by the Democrats and Abolitionists and Deacon Justus
White, who had gone over in the Hard Cider campaign from
the Democrats to the Whigs, was his opponent, and even.'one
who could vote was on hand. The meeting was held at the old
meeting-house I think, perhaps at the public house of Capt.
Luke Wells, but most probably at the meeting-house. The
motion was made and put "That we do not send a representa-
tive this year," and was declared carried. The vote being
doubted the house was polled, and the vote not to send was neg-
atived by two or three majority ; then the voting commenced in
earnest.

Each party then had several of their leading men to chal-
lenge and also to insist upon the right of the challenged to exer-
cise the right of franchise, and such displays of oratory and of
ability to handle legal questions, and such pungent thrusts at
each other of opposing counsel was seldom excelled by the bar
of legal antagonists. Well tho result was that Mr. Xash was
elected, but his seat was contested by Deacon White, and the
facts in the "case were obtained by a week's hearing at Whatels-.
the Whigs employing Hon. George T. Davis to conduct their
case, and a "young Methodist minister was engaged by Mr. Xash,
and tbe people turned out en masse to attend the trial. Mr.
Nash retained his seat.

Now what a change has come over the political world.
There are no such hidebound partisans to the right of one man
to hold in bondage his fellow man whether he has a black skin
or not. Everyone now is an anti-slavery man.

Going back further we had questions raised that had their
day and were then dropped out. Among those that I recall dis-
tinctly was the anti-masonic raid, that was raised by the alleged
abduction of Mr. Morgan. The excitement was intense, and I
well recall the abusive language used against Masonry and
against Masons. The threat was that if they didn't cease hold-
ing their accursed conclaves the people would arise in their
might, and if needful armed and equipped, and end their plot-
ting to overthrow the liberties of the people.

There were a number of Masons among our residents, who
by their quiet and gentlemanly course, rather had a dampening

304

effect upon their hot-headed opponents, and here and there was
found a crrnmon sense man who tried to pour oil on the troubled
watc-rs. These won the sobriquet of "Jack Masons," and were
roundly al)used by the anti-masons.

Rev. John R. GoDdnough, pastor of the Baptist church at the
west part of Whately , was told by his local associates of ministers
that he must renounce his Masonry or stop preaching in their fel-
lowship. This he utterly declined to do and said to them : "Gen-
tlemen. I have hitherto acted independently, and with the ap-
pro\-al of my conscience, and have never intentionally injured
anv one. You can stop me from preaching if you will, but I
shall never give up my membership in Masonry." His parish
was against him, and he sought other business. From that
time began the downfall of that church. It lingered for a time,
but the withdrawal of such men as Jonathan Smith, Chester
Brown, Deacon James Smith and others sealed its destiny.

The election of Gen. Jackson as president, and his action
in removing the deposits from the United States bank, and the
fight for that moneyed institution was the commencement of a
series of events that have, as I think, led up to the division of
the two great parties on the questions of finance and the estab-
lishing of monopolies and great trusts. Against these are
arrayed the old Democratic party, and so the fight goes on.

I think that I will close this political history by quoting
verbatim one of the songs the Abolitionists used to sing at their
gatherings, with a gusto that was very charming. It was fur-
nished me by Rev. Mr. Pillsbury. It is a parody on an old-
time hj'mn as it used to be sung by a full-voiced choir at negro
meetings, as well as at gatherings at the north :

Come saints and sinners hear me tell

How pious priests whip Jack and Nell,

And women buy and children sell,

Then preach all sinners down to hell,
And sing of heavenly union.

They'll talk of Heaven and Christ's rewards,
And bind his image with a cord,

And scold and swing the lash abhorred,
And sell their brother in the Lord
To hand-guffed heavenly union,

305

They'll church you if you sip a dram,
And damn you if you steal a lamb,

Yet rob old Tony, Doll and Sam

Of human rights, and bread and ham;
Kidnappers' heavenly union.

They'll raise tobacco, corn and rye,

And drive and thieve and cheat and lie,

And lay up treasures in the sky

By making whip and cowskin fly,

In hope of heavenly union.

They'll crack old Sambo on the skull,

And preach and roar like Bashan's bull

Or braying ass of mischief full ;

Then seize old Jacob by the wool
And pull for heavenly union.

CHAPTER XVII.

COPY OF VALUATION BOOK FOR THE YEAR 181O,
GIVING ALL THE NAMES TAXED.

.

Buihl-

Mild

Acres

im.

Hor-

Ox-

Reiluoefl

P(

)ns

iii5?s

Til'«e

Piist'fe pt'd

ses

en

Cows

V.'iluatioii

Atkins, Solomon,

n

2)4

->4

-K

I

2

$ 60.34

Atkins. Enoch,

I

'A

iK

ID

3

I

2

$20.38

Allis, Daniel,

I

2

8

29

35

2

5

53-92

Allis. Russell,

I

2

6

5

20

I

2

I

33-04

Allis, Elijah,

I

2

21

48

51

2

2

4

70.98

Allis, Daniel, Jr.,

I and money

at interest

, I

13.20

Bard well, Lt. Noah

■'. 3 .

2

25

60

T I I

3

8

ID

204.09

Bard well. Cotton,

) with his father.

Bardwell, Charles,

2

3

4

30

2

I

3

63.67

Bardwell, Chester,

I

2

9

23

2

2

I

2

42.41

Bardwell, Orange,

I

2

12

5

2

2

2

37-78

Bardwell, Asa,

I

2

36

6

41

2

4

59-77

Belden. Jeremiah,

I

Belden, Samuel,

I

I

.90

Belden, Joshua, |

/->

Belden. Elijah, )

I

2

12

3

^:!>2>

2

3

30.80

Belden, Reuben. 1

2

4

63

28

201

■\

4

180.92

Belden, Aaron, j

\^

\j

F^

y

Belden, Francis,

I

2

32

16

57

I

2

49-56

Belden, Augustus,

2

15

30

I

Belden, Elisha.

r

I

10

II

20

I

I

20.48

Belden, Dickinson,

I

I

ID

II

20

I

I

19-85

307

Poi:
Belden, Seth.
Belden, Chester,
Bacon, Philo,
Bartlett, Zebina,
Barnard, Ebenezer ]
Barn'd, E'b'z'r, Jr. -
Barnard, William, )

Cooley, Lemuel,
Cooley, Benjamin,
Coleman, Nathan'l,
Crafts, John,
Crafts, Seth,

Crafts, Graves, ]
Crafts, Israel, j

Crafts, Benoni, ^
Crafts. Reuben,
Crafts, Cotton.
Crafts, Asa,
Crafts, Joel K.,
Crafts, Thomas,
Crafts, Rufus,
Crafts, Elijah,
Clark, Elisha,
Clark, Reuben,
Cutter, James,
Dicki'son, Alph'us,
D'k'son.Wd.Mary,
Dickinson, Oliver,
Dickinson, Charles,
Dickinson, Moses,
Dickinson, Jehu,
Dick'son, Euiotus,
Dick'son, Gideon,
Dickinson, Dexter,
Dickinson, Asa,
Dickinson, Daniel,
Dick'son, Gid'n, Jr.,
Frary, Thomas,
Frary, Orange,
Frar>', Capt. Eleazer
Frary, Capt. Seth,

Mowin,
Builti- ;uiil

d inf?d Til'^e

Acres
Piist're

Un.
imp
pi-M

Hor.

ses

ell

Cows

Rei1ucp<l
Viiluiicioii

2

6'

24

I

2

$20.44

2

7

10

18

2

18. iS

2

I

4

I

9.90

4

43

40

66

3

2

6

123.44

2

10

-^
^

15

1

2

23-41

2

24

30

1 12

2

2

6

I0S.07

2

f3

22

36

I

2

-^

0

37.26

■^
3

2
3/i

T9

r I

29

26
16

2

2

3

122.34

^

23

18

32

I

5

5

140.43

I

I

9

I

12

6

14

2

I

3I-3S

2. ^^2

S

8

9

13.26

interest

mone>

,

13-50

interest

mone\

,

18.00

■^

J

32

18

ID

37.68

T

J

I

14.60

3

18

57

75

I

2

2

79-63

9

12

35

25-50

I

13

12

35

39-50

I

9

14

35

25-50

I

9

12

35

25-50

2/2

13

20

32

3

4

4

68.50

^

15

4

2

•y
^

6

28.53

3

34

30
IT

70

1

0

2
2

6
I

129.70
17.00

I

2

I I

6

0

2

I

23.40

I

o

I I

6

2

23.40

-

2

II

6

2

23.40

14

5

16

I

l8.22

y-z

8

2

2

21.89

2

9

I

I

2

2

15-46

2

42

58

53

I

2

2

109.18

5o8

Frary, Isaac, 2

Mowlnff Un-

Build- und Acres iiii- Ilor-
ings Til'fje I'liwt're prM ser*

<>x. Re.luced

en Cows \"!ilii:ition

I

rran-, beth, Jr.,

16

I

Fran-, Dexter,

I

5

r

Frary, Maj. Phineas,

3

29

1 10

40

■^

J

Frar}', Silas,

I

2

I

Frary, Horace,

I

5

I

Frary, Phineas, Jr.,

I>2

8

Field, Zenas,

3

0

22

36

100

2

Gibbs, Paul,

0

I

Gunn, Dr. Luther,

I

Gray, Nathaniel,

2

9

20

9

Gilbert, Josiah,

2

13

13

16

Graves, David,

15

23

30

Graves, Moses,

2

3

14

2

Graves, Levi,

I

I

t5

23

30

2

Graves, Martin,

2

2

26

14

46

2

Graves, Capt. Lucius, i

I

9

5

5

Graves, Simeon,

I

I

3-)<^

5

5

" Capt. Salmon,

3

3

30

34

49

3

Graves, Dea. Oliver,

12

10

2

Graves, Oliver, Jr.,

I

2

14

38

37

2

Graves, Elijah,

I

I

10

II

20

I

Graves, John, 1
Graves, Justus, )

2

2

7

35

I

Graves, Selah,

2

2

8

20

60

2

Graves, William,

T

8

15

7

Graves, Erastus,

I

Graves, Plyna,

2

Graves, Reuben,

I

2

15

20

12

3

Graves. Israel,

I

2

Graves, Perez,

I

I

14

7

Murray, Hart,

I

2

12

13

5

I

Hill, Joseph,

2

i^

14

40

20

Hill, Moses,

I

14

7

20

10

Harwood, Dr. Fran's

, 2

3

7

30

45,

2

Hastings, Nathaniel

, I

2

7

7

/

I

Hale, James,

I

1

Hicks, Nathan,

r

I

5

4

I

Loomis, Jona. C,

2

money at interest.

Loomis, Abner,

I

2

$71-75

20.34

20.44

5

116 80

2

19.41

12.50

I

16.50

3

80.15

I

14.40

2.40

2

22.40

20.82

22.65

45.68

I

44-03

4

63.86

22.10

38.50

3

63-50

41.60

6

78.44

41.58

2

42.60

2

55.42

21.00

2

3

39.54

I

I

19.50
25.10

1

32.10
51.00

3

28.44

2

59.18

I

15.50

r

1.20

I

31.26
18.00

309

Mowing Un-

Builil- iinil Acre.s im- Hor- Ox-
Polls in^s Til'gti Piist'ie prM ?e.-< en

Marsh, Thomas, i

Marsh, Isaac, i

Morton, Daniel.

Morton, Sam'l, G.,

Morton, Dea. Levi,

Morton, Oliver,

Morton, Simeon,

Morton, Dexter,

Morton, Reuben,

Morton, Capt. Chas,

Morton, Consider,

Morton, Justin,

Morton, Lewis,

Moor, Otis,

Moor, Lewis.

Mather, Capt. W.,

Mather, Joseph,

Mather, Samuel,

Munson, Moses,

Munson, Joel,

Munson, Reuben,

Mosher, Jacob,

Orcutt, Stephen, 2 money at interest 2

Parmeter, John, i i 3 2 ^

Parker, Benia'n,

, . ■' 4 2 21 12 2

and son Asa,

Pratt, Capt. Amos, 23 4 8 33 2

Pierce, Jonathan, i money at interest,

iSash, Cotton, i i 10

Rogers, Georee, ) . ^

Roiers, Danid, ) 2 2 12 34 36 i 2 4 44.67

Ruddock, Justin, i

Smith, Gad., Jr., r

Smith, Bezaliel, 2

Smith, Gad, i

Smith, Joseph, i

Smith Seth, |
Smith, David, \ ^

Smith, Capt. Rufus, i

Smith, Dea. James, i

->

2

20

10

74

I

I

2

21

47

3S

I

3

6

29

60

70

2

3

3

15

ID

10

2

I

2

20

20

40

I

r

2

7

12

17

I

I

iS

I

I

9

15

2

3

28

50

53

2

2

0

22

41

37

I

1

5

0

4

I

I

I

'>

J

.5

24

9

29

2

r

;

5

0

0

4

1 1

29

I

I

7

2

3

10

26

9

2

I

I

Cows

Reduceil
V;Uu;itioii

I

$ .90

I

.90

2

53-60

4

83.76

5

133-72

2

65-26

I

44-74

3

32.40

4

1S.16

17.28

4

101.98

3

87.40

I

11-75

I

108.46

I

1. 14

2

44.09

I

16 44

0

4S-93

I

1. 14

2

24.60

2.40

42.98

r

57-17

18.00

10.60

16

16

So

'J

0

2

3

--, -q

20

— o

/ -

69

2

3

94.20

12

28.00

65

6

40

I

4

6

129.40

13

35

82

r

2

3

60.85

7

1 1

4

I

I

75.30

310

Mowing Un-

Buihl- iiiiil Acres iiii- Hor-
Polls in;rs Til'ge Past're prM ses

Ox- Reduced

en Cows Valuation

Scott, Benjamin,

Scott. Consider,

Scott, Lt. Abel, )
and son Abel, Jr,, j

Scott, Selah,

Scott, Israel,

Sanderson. Elijah,

Sanderson, Asa,

Sanderson, Isaac,

Sanderson, Luther

Sanderson, Elijah, 2d 2
" Maj. Thos.,
" Dea. Thos.,

Sanderson, Chester,

Starks, John,

Stockbridge, David,

Stiles, Capt. Henry,

Wright, Seth,

Waite, Joel, ist,

Waite, Joel, 2d,

Waite, Joel, 3d,

Waite, Aaron,

Waite, Luke,

Waite, Jeremiah, Sr.,

Waite, Nathan,

Waite, Benjamin,

Waite, Elihu,

Waite, Calvin,

Waite. Capt. Luther,

Waite, Consider,

Waite, Jonathan,

Woods, Martin,

Woods, Jonathan,

Wing, William,

Wells, Perez,

Wells, Chester,

Wells, Calvin,

Wells, Israel,

Wells, Thomas,

Wells, Capt. Luke,

4

I

I

5

I

63-30

I

2

9

5

12

I

14.80

v3

2

62

28

72

2

3

2

129.53

I

2

40

38

8

2

2

2

76.26

I

2

44

26

30

2

I

77.28

I

2

44

26

30

2

I

62.53

2

0

8

17

6

r

2

77.28

I

•^
J

14

9

10

2

35-30

I

2

I

I

I

11.64

2

I

r

11.32

2

2

29

20

44

2

3

80.66

2

5

46

30
40

214

3

4

8

271.96
28.80

2

13

5

2

2

17.80

6

61

18

I

4

120.14

2

17

15

20

43-58

interest money

I

12.12

2

7

22

6

I

14.20

3

2S

90

2

2
I

70.80
.90

I

22

1 1

15-96

30

10

2

I

18.90

I

9

20

25

I

3

63.60

I

9

20

'25

I

3

37-12

2

3

2

20.52

2

16
20

6

26

I

3
I

29.48
18.48

20

I

I

18.48

3

2

18

39

20

2

4

70.22

4

3
4

14

18

2
2

34-64
4-48

2

10

2

13

I

3

24.00

and interest money

15.00

I

I

2

2

10.00

I

4

8

4

6

33-55

I

1 1

8

4

r

30-17

311

Jlowinsir Un-

Builil- Mini Acro.H iiT). Hor- <)x- Reduced

roll.-^ ings Til'i^'e I'lisc're prM :ies en Cows Valuation

White, Capt. S., ) i 3 39 80 94 2 2 7 205.56

and son, John, ) 2 2 21 69 70 2 2 6

White, Salmon, Jr. I

and son, Justus, ( ^ ^ 9 25 3 120.37

231 2162 2795 3933 165 117 307 58,643.47

Other cattle as enumerated 619.

Sheep and swine not enumerated.

Amount of reduced valuation, $8,643.47.

If the reduced value was six per cent, the whole valuation
was $146,058.50.

The reduced valuation was then divided, giving to the Con-
gregational church for taxation, $6,785.47.

To the Baptist church for taxation, 1,858.00.

Polls paid for state and county tax, $0.^2.

Polls paid for minister's tax, $0.52.

Polls paid for town tax, Sr 30.

One dollar in town tax. So. 02.

One dollar in minister's tax, $o.c)2 S-io.

Number of acres set to residents, 8,890.

Number of acres set to non-residents, 1,852,^:1.

Of which, mowing and tillage to residents, 2,162 acres.

Of pasturage, 2,795 acres.

Of unimproved (wood land), 3,933 acres.

Total number of acres taxed, io,-j4;^}{.

Buildings, houses not specified as all buildings are together.

The horses, 165.

The oxen, 117.

The cows, 307.

The other stock cattle, 619.

The number giving interest money, 20.

Rev. Rufus Wells not taxed, and several aged men not
taxed for the poll.

The money at interest was mostly held by young men just
come of age, and in order to exercise the right of suffrage some
one would give them a note for a sum sufficient to enable them
to vote. At that time politics ran pretty high and every young
partisan's vote must be secured. I recollect of hearing old men
tell who helped them with a note to enable them to vote.

312

COPY OF A CHECK LIST OF

Allis, Dea. Russell,

Elijah,

Daniel.

Stalham.

Daniel, Jr.,

Osee .
Anderson, Henry,
Atkins, Solomon.

Enoch,

Henry,
Bardwell. Lieut. Xoah,

Cotton,

Justin,

Orange,

Chester,

Asa.

Ebenezer,
Barnard, Ebenezer,

Ebenezer, Jr.,

William.
Bartlett, Zebina,

Samuel,
Belden, Elisha,

Dickinson,

Seth,
" Augustus,

Francis,
" Reuben,
" Aaron,
," Joshua,
" Joseph,

Chester,
Brown, Lieut. John,

Isaiah,

Daniel,
" Joseph,
Chapman, Isaac,
Clark, Peter,
Coleman, Nathaniel,
Cooley, Benjamin,
" Lemuel,

VOTERS IX WHATELV IN lSl6,

Crafts, Thomas,

Rufus,

John,

Asa.

Cotton,

Erastus,

Seth,

Graves,

Israel,

David,

Moses,
Cutter, James,
Dickinson, xAlpheus,

Charles,

Oliver,

Asa,

Daniel,

Giles,

Dexter.

Eurotus,
Frary, Maj. Phineas,
" Thomas,
" Orange.

Silas,

Horace,
" Phineas, Jr.,

Capt. Seth,

Capt. Seth, Jr.,

Dexter,
" Isaac,

Asa,
Field, Zenas,

John, .
Graves, Erastus,

Oliver, Jr.,
" Moses,

Levi,

Martin,
" Capt. Lucius,

Linus,
, Rowland, .

313

Graves, Capt. Salmon,
Oliver,
John,
" Reuben,

" Ensign Pliny,

Charles,
Salah,
Spencer,
William,
Israel,
Gerry, Stephen,
Gray, Nathaniel.
Grimes, Samuel,
Gilbert, Josiah,
Har^'ood, Dr. Francis,
Dr. Joshua D.,
Col. Roderick B.,
Hastings, Nathan,
Hill, Joseph,

Ruggles,
Jenney, Reuben,
Loomis, Jonathan C

William,
Morton, Justus,
Horace,
David,
Samuel G.,
" Lieut. Oliver,
" Dea. Levi,

" Simeon,

" DeKter,
Reuben,
Consider,
Charles,
Arnold,
Justin,
" Sylvester,

Marsh, Thomas,

" Isaac,
Mosher, Jacob,
Mather, Capt. William,
" Joseph,

Munson, Moses,

Reuben,

Joel,

John,
Nichols, Daniel,
Perry, Ira.
Parker, Lieut. Asa,

" Isaac,

Pratt, Capt. Amos,
Russell, Levi.
Rogers, George,

Daniel,
Reed, Simeon,
Ruddock, Edward,
Smith, James,

Bezaliel,

Gad,

Gad, Jr..

Horace,

Seth,

David,

Justin,

Capt. Rufus.
Sanderson, Thomas,

Silas,

Eli,
" Ensign Elijah,

Asa,

Asa, Jr..
" Isaac,
Scott, Israel,

Aretas,

Benjamin,

Lieut. Abel,

Abel, Jr.,
" Ambrose,

Selah,
Stockbridge, David, Jr.,
Starks, John,
Waite, Joel, ist,

Joel, 2d,

Luke,

314

Waite, Jeremiah,
" Benjamin,

Elihu.

Calvin,
" Consider,

" Jonathan,
" Lemuel,
" James,

Henry,
" Thomas,
\Vells, Perez,

Luther,

Wells, Calvin,
Chester,
Capt. Thomas,
Lieut. Luke,
" Israel,
Winchell, Reuben,
Warner, Luther,
Woods, Martin,

" Jonathan,
White, John,

Salmon,
" Justus,

In

Rev. Rufus,
all one hundred and ninety-five legal voters.

A LIST OF NAMES. WHO IN l8l2 WERE ASSESSED BY THE

TOW^N, AND THE AMOUNT PAID TO THE BAPTIST

SOCIETY BY THE TOWN TREASURER,

AND THE TAX OF EACH.

Allis, Russell,

$ -77

Munson, Joel.

$1.13

Daniel,

2.09

Morton, Dexter,

1.29

Daniel, Jr.,

•94

Reuben

Osee.

•37

and Simon,

1. 10

Brown, Lieut. John,

6.43

Pratt, Capt. Amos,

2.15

Prescott,

.87

Rogers, Geo. and Daniel, 1.85

Spencer,

1.23

Smith, Bezdid,

1.80

Isaiah,

2.64

Seth,

2.95

Daniel,

1.45

David,

1. 10

Bard well, Lieut. Noah,

2.08

Capt. Rufus,

2.20

Orange,

1. 14

Sanderson, Isaac,

1.66

Chester,

1-45

Waite, Joel, ist,

.42

Charles,

1.79

Joel, 3d,

•53

Cotton,

2,07

Obadiah,

.90

Justin,

2.04

Elihu,

• 84

Belden, Seth,

.85

Luther,

.84

Crafts, Elijah,

.62

Calvin,

.68

Cutter, James,

•95

Rufus,

•47

Chapman, Isaac,

•44

Consider,

2.35

Graves, John and Justin

. 1-53

" Jonathan,

1.04

Gerry, Stephen,

•42

Winchell, Reuben,

.37

Hill, Joseph,

2.32

Hill, Moses,

1.20

Total amount,*

$61.81

Munson, Moses,

1.20

315

STATISTICS OF POPULATION, ETC.. FROM 1 77 1 TO 1 899, COM-
PILED FROM THE CENSUS RETURNS.

1771. Number of males over 16 years, 75 ; total population,
estimated, 320. Number of dwelling houses, 40 ; number of
families, 48.

1776. Total white population, according to Colonial cen-
sus, 410.

1786. Number of males over 16 years, 141 ; total popula-
tion, estimated, 544; number of dwelling houses, 68.

1790. Number of males under 16, 199; over 16, 184; num-
ber of females, 352 ; total, 735 ; number of dwelling houses,
j2o; number of families, 130.

1800. Total number of inhabitants, 773.

Number of males, 433 ; number of females, 457 ;

r8io.

total, 890.

1820.

1830.

Total number of inhabitants, 1,076.

Number of males, 573 ; number of females, 538 ;
total, 1,111.

1840. Total number of inhabitants, 1,072 ; number of polls
ratable, 291 ; number of polls not ratable, 19 ; number of dwell-
ing houses, 168 ; number of barns, 160.

1850. Total number of inhabitants. 1,129.

i860. Number of males 544; number of females, ^J2>'
total, 1,057; 2 females over 90; dwellings, 216; families, 227.

1865. Number of males, 538; number of females. 474;
total, 1,012; t female over lOo; dwellings, 222; families, 223.

1870. Total number of inhabitants, 1,068.

1890. Total number of inhabitants, 779.

DEATHS.

1 77 1 to '81, 70 ; 1 78 1 to '91, 64; 1 79 1 to 1 80 1, 92 ; 1 80 1 to
'11, 107 ; 1811 to '21, 151 ; 1821 to '31, 165 ; 1831 to '41, 131 ;
1841 to '51, 166; 1851 to '61, 209; 1S61 to '71, 198; 1871 to
'81, 150; 1881 to '91, 163; 1891 to '99, 126; total for 128 years,
1,982. Died under 5 years, 571 ; between 70 and 80 years,
222; between 80 and 90 years, 175; between 90 and 100 years
23; over 100 years, i.

VALUATION, ACCORDING TO OFFICIAL RETURNS.

1830, $206,858. 1840, $220,927. 1850, $438,772. i860,
$624,902. 1865, $665,972. 1870, $802,511. 1882, $440,124.

3i6

SELECTMEN, FROM THE INCORPORATION OF THE

John Waite, 1771 .
Simeon Waite, 1771.
Edward Brown, 1771.
Philip Smith. 1771, '72.
Salmon White, i77i-"75, '77,

'78, '84-'S6, '90-'92, '94;

14 years.
Noah Wells, [772-'75, '78,

'82, '83, '88; 8 years.
David Scott, 1772.
Elisha Frar}', 1772, '80.
Thomas Sanderson, i773-'75,

'77. '78, •83-'87, '89, '90,

'92-'96, '98-1803. 'i2-'i7;

29 years.
Oliver Graves, 1776, '77.
Joseph Belden, Jr., 1776, '77,

'80,

'90,

John Smith, 1776, '77,

'87-'89.
Perez Chapin, 1780.
Silas Smith, 17S1.
Noah Bardwell, 1781,

'91- '93- '96.
David Graves, Jr., 1781, '82.
Col. Josiah Allen, i783-'89,

'9i-'93 ; 10 years.
Maj. PhineasFrary, i794-'99,

i8o3-'6, '9, 'i2-'i5; 15

3'ears.
Asa Sanderson, 1795, 1803-

'5, '12, '13; 6 years.
John White, 1795, '98-1800,

'2-' 11; 14 years.
Capt. Seth Frary, iSoo, 'i,

4. 5, 14. 15

vears.

Levi Morton, 1801, '3.
Bezaliel Smith, 1804, '5, '11.
Gideon Dickinson, i8o6-'8,
'10, '11.

TOWN.

8, '10,

Zenas Field, 1807,

•11, 'r6.
Oliver Graves, Jr., 1809, '16,

'18, '19.
Capt. Rufus Smith, 181 1.
Consider Morton, 1812, '13.
Capt. Salmon Graves. 1812,

'13-
Oliver Morton, 1S14, '15, '16.

Orange Bardwell, 1814, '15.

Lemuel Waite, 18 16, '18.

Isaac Frary, 1817, '19.

Silas Frary, 181 7, '18, '20.

Seth Smith, i8i9-'2i, '24-

'27; 7 years.
Thomas Crafts, i82o-'22, '25,

'28, '30, '32-'36; II years.
Capt. William Fay. i82i,'29.
Charles Morton, 1822.
Dea. James Smith, 1822.
David Stockbridge, i823-'26,

'28, '31, '40, '43; 8 years.
Dea. Justus White, 1S23, '24,

'31.
Dexter Morton, 1823.

Dr. Chester Bardwell, 1826.
Calvin Wells, 1827, '35-'39.

'45; 7 years.
David Saunders, 1827.
Daniel Brown, 1828, '29, '30,

'45.
Levi Bush, Jr., 1829.

Capt. Luke Wells, 1830.

Chester Brown, i83i-'36. '40,

'41 ; 8 years.

Luke B. White, 1832, '22,,

'34'
Hiram Smith, i837-'39, '46,

'55, '61 ; 6 years.

3i7

J. C. Sanderson, 1S37, '44,

'45. '49. 50; 5 years.
Arnold Morton, 1S3S, '39,

'43. '44, '57. '41 : 6 years.
Dexter Crafts, 1840.
Rufus Graves. 1841, '46, '61.
Stalham Allis, 1841.
Rodolphus Sanderson, 1842,

4/ •
Plyna Graves, 1842.
Capt. Seth Bardwell. 1S42,

'51-
Lyman Dickinson, 1843, '44,

''55.
Daniel F. Morton, 1846.

Thomas Waite, 1847, '49,
'5O1 '52, '531 fi^^e years.

Samuel B. White, i848-'50,
'52, '53. '56, '57. '6i-'66,
'68, .69; 15 years.

John Field, 1S4S.

Abel \V. Nash, 1S4S.

Capt. Asa Parker, 1S51.

Stephen Belden, 1852, '53,

'59.
Elliott C. Allis, 1854.
Zebina W. Bartlett, 1854,

'67.
Isaac Frary, Jr., 1854.

James M. Crafts, 1855.

Rufus Dickinson, 1856, '57,

'59, '69.
J. W. C. Allis, 1856. '68, '69.

Alonzo Crafts, 1857, '60, '62,-

'64, '67; 6 years.
Alfred Belden, 1S58.
Dennis Dickinson, 1858.
Edwin Bardwell, i858-'6o,

'62-'67, '70, '71; II years.
L. W. Hannum, i860, '61.
Elihu Belden, 1S65.
EliphasH. Wood, 1866.

Harvey Moor, 1S68.
Samuel Eesure, 1S70.
Samuel C. Wood, 1S70,
Elbridge G. Crafts, 1S71.
David xVshcraft, 1 87 r .
Silas W. Allis i872-'Si; 10

years.
Dennis Dickinson, 1872.
Edwin Bardwell, 1872, '73,

'79 : 14 years.
Elbridge G. Crafts, 1873.
Chester K. Waite, 1 874-' 78,

5 years.
Elliott C. Allis, 1874.
Seth Bardwell, 1874, '75.
Hiram Bardwell, 1877, '78,

'80.
Chester G. Crafts, i88i-'84;

5 years.
Elliott A. Warner, i88i-'85;

5 years.

Rufus M. Swift, 1S79, '84-

'89, '91 ; 8 years.
Salmon P. White, 18S0.
William Barnard, 18S2, 'S3.
Franklin D. Belden, 1886,

'89; 4 years.
Lyman A. Crafts, 1SS6, '89.'

4 years.
Frank Dickinson, 1890.
David Ashcraft, 1890, '95;

6 years.

Charles E. Bardwell, 1890.
Seth B. Crafts, 1S91-1900;

9 years.
Victor D. Bardwell, 1S92-

'97: 5 years.
Lemuel F. Graves, [897, '98.
Willis F. Waite, 1897, '98,

'99.
George F. Pease, 1899.

3i8

TOWN CLERKS, FROM 1 77 1 TO TQOO.

Salmon White, 1 771 -'79; S

years.
Dr. Perez Chapiii, 17S0, '81.
Thomas Sanderson, i7S2-'S6,

'Sq-'qS, jSoo, 'i ; 17 years.
Col. Josiah Allis, 17S7. '88.
Dr. Benj. Dickinson, 1799.
William Mather, 1S02, '9,

'12. ' 13 : 9 years.
Elijah Allis, iSio, '11.
Thomas Wells, 1S14.
Luke Wells, 1815, '25; 11

years.
Edward Phelps, 1826.
Chester Wells, 1827, '30.

Martin Woods, 183 1, '32.
Eurotus Morton, 1833, '34.
Dr. Myron Hanvood, 1S35,

'36, '38-'4i ; 6 years.
Stalham Allis, 1837.
Samuel Eesure, i842-'56,

'6o-'7i ; 27 years.
Dennis Dickinson, 1857, '58,

'59.
Samuel Lesure, iS72-'82: in

all 37 years.
Dr. James D. Seymour, 1882-

'91 ; 9 years.
George A. Elder, 1891-1900;

9 vears.

TOWN TREASURERS, FROM 1 77 1 TO 1900.

Salmon White, i77i-"79; 8

years.
Dr. Perez Chapin, 17S0, '81.
Thomas Sanderson, i7S2-'86,

'92-1802.
Josiah Allis, i787-'90.
Elijah Smith, 1791.
Bezaliel Smith, 1803.
Solomon Adkins, Jr., 1804-

'8, '15, '16.
Jehu Dickinson, 1809-'! i.
Samuel Grimes, 1S12, '13.
William Mather, 1814.
Oliver Morton, 1817, '18, '21,

23-

Lemuel Waite, 1819, '20.
Luther Wells, 1822.
Calvin Wells, i824-'2S.
Col. Caleb Crafts, 1829.
Leonard Loomis, 1830, '31,

'33^ '45. '69; 5 years.
Levi Bush, Jr., 1834, '35.

Eurotus Morton, 1832, '36,

'37-
Charles D. Stockbridge. 1838,

'40.
Samuel B. White, i84i-'44.

'48 ; 5 years.
Elliott C. Allis, 1H41, '58,

'63. '64.
Franklin Graves, 1847, '52,

'53-
Rufus Graves, 1849.

James M. Crafts, 1850, '61,

'71.
John White, 1851.

Zebina Bartlett, 1855, '57,

'59-
Henry K. White, 1856, '59,

■60.
S. E. Allis, 1862.
Horace B. Fox, 1865.
Apollos Clary, 1866.
E. H. Wood, 1867.

319

Edward C. Sanderson, 1868.
Elbridge G. Crafts, 1870.
James M. Crafts, 1872; in all

5 years.
Caleb L. Thayer, 1873.
George D. Bartlett. 1874, '75.
Perez M. Wells, 18 76- '78,

'83, '84; 4 years.
Horace B. Fox, 1S79.

William Barnard, 1880, 'Si,

'82 ; 3 years.
Stalham E. Allis, 1885.
Chester K. Waite, 1SS6, '87,

'88, '89 ; 4 years.
Micajah Howes, 1S90, "91,

'92, '93, '94, '95 : 6 years.
Ryland C. Howes, 1S96, '97,

'98, '99 ; 4 years.

ASSESSORS, FROM THE INCORPORATION' OF THE TOWN.

Edward Brown, 1771.
Philip Smith, 1771, '72. '95.
Capt. Salmon White, 1771,

'82, '84-'86, ^90, '92, '94;

18 years.
Elisha Frary, 1772.
Thomas Sanderson, 1773-

'74, '77-"79, 82, •84-'86,

'89, '9i-'94, '99- 1800, '2,

'12-' 14 ; 27 years.
Israel Graves, i793-'96.
Noah Wells. 1773, '74, '78,

'79, '82, '83, '88.
Benjamin Smith, 1775, '76.
Oliver Graves, 1776.
John Smith, i775-'77, '87, '89-
Amos Marsh, 1780.
Noah Bardwell, 1781, '87,

'90, '91. '94-'96; 7 years.
Joseph Belden, Jr., 1781, '83.
Josiah Allis, i783-'93; roy'rs.
Phineas Frary, 1794. '99-

1802, '5; 7 years.
Asa Marsh. Jr., 1796.
John White, 1797, '98, i8or,

Dr. Francis Harwood. 1797.
William Mather, 1797-1S07,

'g ; 12 years.
Lemuel Wells, 1798.
Jonathan Smith, Jr., i8o3-'o6.

Seth Frary, 1S05.
Asa Sanderson, 1S05, '13,
Bezaliel Smith, 1S05.
Elijah Allis, 1807-'! i.
Isaac Frary, 1808, '10, "i
Charles. Bardwell, 18 10,
Thomas Crafts, 1812, '30.
Orange Bardwell, 1S12,
Thomas Wells, 1S13, '15-

'26.
Silas Frary, 18 14-*! 6. "19.
Ebenezer Barnard, i''^i4.
Dexter Morton, 1816, "19,

'31-
Chester Wells, 18 17, 'i.^,

'27-'29.

Seth Smith, 18 17, '18,

'23, '28, '29, '32, '34.
David Stockbridge, 1820.
Daniel Brown, 1820, '25,

'30.
David Saunders, i82i-'25.
Asa Dickinson, i'"^2i.
Justus White, 1822.
Edward Phelps, 1823, '24.
Chester Brown. 1824.
Charles Morton, 1826.
Capt. William Fay, 1827, '
Elijah Sanderson, 1827.
Arnold Morton, i82«. '29,

'38.

I.
"i r.

■13-
"20,

15-
"21,

:2,

'26,

I.

'36.

320

Luke Wells, 1830.

Eurotas Dickinson, 1831, "32,

.•).■)•

Abel W. Nash, 1832, "47.
Asa Sanderson, Jr., 1833, '45.
Rodolphus Sanderson, 1833,

'35, "36, "39, '40, 45, '56; 7

years.
Dexter Crafts, 1834, "35.
Col. Caleb Crafts, 1834.
Capt. Seth Bardwell. 1835,

'62.
Thomas Waite, 1S36, '46.
Calvin Wells, 1837, '38, 47.
John C. Sanderson, 1837, '43,

'57, "62 ; 4 years.
Hiram Smith, i837-'39, '42,

■48, "50, '51. '57; S years.
Leonard Loomis, 1839, '40,

"42. '59-
Dennis Dickinson, 1840, "41,

■43-
Reuben Jenney, 1841.
John B. Morton, 1841, '45.
Alfred Belden, 1842, '54.
Samuel Dickinson, 1843, '44.
Justin R. Smith, 1844.
Josiah Allis, 1844, '46.
Samuel B. White, 1846, '61.
Elliott C. Allis, 1847, '52. '53,

'60.
John L. Morton, 1848.
Jabez Pease, 1848.
Lewis Wells, 1849.
Charles D. Stockbridge, 1849-

"51, '60, '65, '66; 6 years.
Franklin Graves, 1849.
Rufus Graves, 1850, '51.
Isaac Frary, Jr., 1852, '53.
Zebina W. Bartlett, 1852, '53.

'58.
Porter Wells, 1854.

E. S. Munson, 1854, '56.
Aaron S. Stearns, 1855.
William C. Smith, 1855, "60.
Charles D. Crafts, 1855.
Henr}- K. White. 1856, '57.
L. W. Hannum, 1857.
Harvey, Moor, 1858.
George W. Crafts, 1858. '64.
Edwin W. Warner, 1859.
Dr. Chester Bardwell, i860,

^63 ■
Paul W. Field, 1861, '64-'66,

'70, '71.
Samuel C. Wood, 1861.
Edwin M. Belden, 1862.
Eurotas Morton, 1863, '67,

'68, '69.
Alvin N. Claghorn. 1863, '64.
Chester Bard well, Jr., 1863.
James M. Crafts, 1865, '66,

'71-
Edward C. Sanderson, 1867,

'68, '69, '71.
Myron Brown, 1867, '68, '69.
Chester K. Waite, 1870.
Edwin C. Parker, 1870.
James M. Crafts, 1872, '73,

'80, '83, '84, '85; in all 9

years.
Paul W. Field, 1872, '73, '74,

'77, '78, '81. '82, '83, '85,

'86 ; 10 years.
Edward C. Sanderson, 1872,

'73. '77- '79. "81 ; 5 years.
John Donovan, 1879, '81, '82;

3 years.
George W. Crafts, 1874, '75.
George D. Bartlett, 1874.
Albert Bartlett, 1875, '76.
Erastus S. Munson, 1875.
Rufus Dickinson, 1876.
Hiram Eardwell, 1876.

321

Chester G. Crafts, 1877, '78.

■80.
Franklin D. Belden, 1884.
George N. Smith, 1884.
Edraoud B.' Crai1:s, 1885.
William Cutler Smith, 1883,

'86, '90.
George R. Graves, [886, '87.
Victor D. Bardwell, 1887,

'88, '89, '90; 4 years.
Edmond A. Belden, 1887,

•88.
George A. Elder. 1888, '89.

■91.

o>

Warren P. Crafts. 1890,
Arthur H. Jenney, 189 1.
George F. Pease, 188 1,

'93-
Willis F. Waite, 1892,

'94. '95. '96 ; 5 years.
Michael J. Holloran. 1894,

'95- '96, '97. "98, '99; 6
years.
Charles H. Waite, 1895, '96,

'97. '98. '99; 5 years.
Cooley B. Dickinson,
'98, "99 ; 3 years.

1897,

93. 94; 5 years.

REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT-

John Smith, 1783.

Thomas Sanderson, 1784,

1812, "13. ♦

Capt. Salmon White, 1785.
Col. Josiah Allis, 1787, '88.
Maj. Phineas Frar>-, 1805, "8,

'to, '14.
John White, 1825.
Rev. L- p. Bates, 1829.
David Stockbridge, 1830.
Thomas Crafts, 1831 ; May

and November.
Capt. Luke Wells, 1832.
Chester Brown, 1833.
Leander Clark, 1834, '40.
Calvin Wells. 1835.
Asa Dickinson, i 36.
Rodolphus Sanderson, 1837.
Samuel B. White, 183S, 46.

Elijah Allis, 1839.
Thomas Nash, 1842.
Jabez Pease, 1844.
Dr. Chester Bardwell, 1847,

'48,. '51-
Deacon Justus White, 1849.

Abel W. Nash, 1852.

Josiah Allis, 1853.

Edwin Bardwell, 1854.

Hiram Smith, 1855.

William H. Fuller, 1858, '59.

h- W. Hannum, 1861.

Capt. Seth Bardwell, 1864.

Alfred Belden, 1868.

Seth B. Crafts, 187 1.

Eliphas H. Wood, 1875.

Chester K. Waite, 1879.

Silas W. Allis, 1882, '83.

George A. Elder, 1892.

DELEGATES TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.

Col. Josiah Allis was delegate to the convention to ratify the
Federal constitution in 1788, and on the vote of acceptance, he
voted "No."

Deacon Thomas Sanderson was delegate to the convention
to revise the constitution of Massachusetts, r820.

Josiah Allis was delegate to the convention to revise the
constitution in 1851.

CHAPTER XVIII.

STOCKADE.

On page 6i of Temple's history is an account of the build-
ing of the fort or stockade enclosing the premises of Deacon
Joel Dickinson. Evidently Mr. Temple "was not properly in-
formed as to its location, as it was not where the house of
Calvin Wells stands. It is however true that it enclosed the
buildings of Deacon Joel Dickinson which were near the south
side of the farm. As I desired to obtain all the information I
could in regard to the stockade I secured the services of Mr.
Porter Wells, who was born on the farm in 1813, and then sev-
enty-five years of age, and together we went to the spot where
he said the old cellar hole was in his boyhood days and which is
now discernable. He had helped his father plow in the cellar
and helped to fill in the well within a couple of feet or such a
matter, then he planted an apple tree in the upper portion of the
well, filling good soil around the tree.

He helped me to make the measurements which are as fol-
lows : From the well to the east line of Chestnut Plain street,
one hundred and nine feet; from the well to the east side of the
cellar, thirty feet; from the well to the south line of the original
farm, seventy-two feet. The house, long known as the Fergu-
son house, was built by Asa Smith very near the north line of
the lot bought of Rev. Rufus Wells. Since the place has been
owned by other parties I think Eurotus Morton bought a strip,
some thirty feet wide, to enable him to get around his buildings
and also to make a better looking front yard. Mr. Wells
assisted me in properly marking the site and gave me the privi-

323

lege of setting up a suitable stone as a monument to mark the
site. Indeed, we worked together. He furnishing his oxen and
stone boat to draw the stone to fill the excavation to place the
monument upon, and George W. Moor came with horses and
contributed the pedestal which he brought from his house, and
then drew the yellow flint boulder from Spruce Hill road. Then
this was suitably marked, ''Site of stockade, 1754-1S88."

A meeting of the citizens of this and adjoining towns was
held 19 Sept., 1S88, at the Town hall, presided over by Lyman
A. Crafts, Esq. Addresses were made by Jamer> AI. Crafts,
followed by Hon. George Sheldon of Deeriield, his topic being
relative to the Indians of New England ; then they adjourned
for a collation served in the vestry of the Congregational church.
After reassembling sprightly speeches were made by Thaddeus
Graves, Silas G. Hubbard, Daniel \V. Wells, Esqrs., and Rev.
R. M. Wood, of Hatfield; Rev. Eugene M. Frary of Colraine,
and Rev. W. C. Curtis of Whately. An excellent choir, under
the leadership of Micajah Howes, furnished fine vocal music,
and the Whately brass band also contributed largely to the
success of the celebration. A large and enthusiastic audience
filled the hall even to standing room. In every way the meet-
ing was a success, largely due to the labors of the committee in
charge. As all the expense attending this was borne by Mr.
Crafts, he now says, "That on account of its success the citizens
kindly passed in their money to an extent that nearly equaled
the expenditure, without solicitation. The first dollar came
from that public-spirited man, E. F. Orcutt, while others over-
whelmed by the success, even against many expressed doubts,
gathered about the writer and thanked hira for what had been
done and nailed their thanks by financial assistance towards the
expenses."

The remarks by Mr. Crafts were published and we will give
a short extract: "In attempting to give a historical sketch of
the early settlement of this town we are met at the outset with
the difficulty of finding documentary material from which we
can weave our history. Our only resource is to draw upon
the memorj* of aged individuals who. in the days gone by, have
heard the fathers relate the story of their trials and their perse-
vering efforts to overcome the difficulties that lay thick in their
pathway. It was not simply the taking up of new land, build-
ing houses and barns in peace and security; all about him was
to be found the hostile Indian, waiting and watching for an

324

opportunity to steal upon him and secure his scalp, and thus
add to the list of such bloody trophies that ornamented his dis-
tant wigwam.

"To secure our hardy ancestry from harm we find that forts
and stockades weie erected. War was almost continuous be-
tween France and England and this, of course, opened the flood
gates of war between their dependencies. Canada and New
England. The last of these wars was from 1754 to 1763, and
our little settlement cast about for some means of safety and de-
fense. In 1754 it was determined to build a stockade about the
buildings of Deacon Dickinson. This was done, probably under
the direction of Col. Israel Williams of Hatfield, then in com-
mand of the Hampshire county troops, who was experienced in
the construction of means of defense against the attacks of the
Indians, and it is claimed that while he directed, the citizens of
Hatfield assisted our people in the construction of the stockade.
The stockade is supposed to have surrounded from one-half to
three-fourths of an acre of ground. It was built of hewed logs
set firmly in the ground and securely fastened on the inside by
stout poles fastened bj- substantial pins so that no single post
could be removed. In times of alarm or danger the families
fled to the stockade. Here their cows and other stock were
brought and kept until the danger was over. I have heard old
Great-aunt Martha Crafts say that she had lived in the fort for
two weeks at a time and helped to milk the cows. She was
born 28 May, 1748, and died 28 August, 1836, and would have
been fourteen years old before the war was over. Her memory
of the fort was full and perfect, and from her I learned much.
'Why,' she said, 'Our cows, horses and pigs were all there and
those of the other neighbors.' My father, born in 1781, had
often heard all the details of life in the fort, and Uncle Perez
Wells, a Revolutionary^ soldier, and many otheis from whom we
gathered much of the information that we have obtained.

"There was another stockade about the house of Joseph
Belden that stood where now is what we call Bartlett's Corner.
Of its size I have no knowledge, but it was large enough to
afford protection for the families of Benjamin Scott, Josiah
Scott, Jr., David Graves, Elisha Smith, John Waite and any
others liWng near, with their stock. Each family while in the
fort appeared to have a domicile of their own and, notwithstand-
ing the danger, the young people had great times together."

-?'>

5

COPY OF OLD LETTERS.

We give here a letter written by Lieutenant Abel Scott of
Whately, while in the Revolutionar}^ army, to his ''betrothed
sweetheart." Miss Martha Graves, a daughter of David Graves,
Jr., of Whately:

Irvington. N. Y.. 15 Oct., 1780.

•'I having a opertunity, I cannot forbear riting to let you
know that I through the goodness of god, I am well as I hope
these lines will find you and the rest of friends and acquainteces.
Sept. the 6th I reseived about ten of the clock at night a letter
from you which was pleasant and was ven.' good to hear from
you for it came very unexpected to me sent there and for the
notis that you had in writing. I am ver\- much obliged to you
for it aspeshally for that branch of doing my duty. Your cor-
shon is good, but needless. And as for news we have a plenty
concerning the afares of the enemy, but that don't concern you
very much, but I will give you a few hints of the afare of Sept.
the twenty-six. General Arnnl deserted to the enemy and the
agedant general of the british army came out as a Spy and he is
in our hands at present, and a Capt. of the same tropes is with
him. And so no more concerning the enemy.

"But for the afare of the flesh pleasing life we have fruit,
apples and peaches very good, and good sider, but the best of
all are the duck gates are very plenty so that there (here are a
few words that I can't decipher). Graves Crafts desires to be
remembered to you and all the rest that inquire after him aspa-
shilly to Joan and tell her that he cannot forget her how that
he did in old times. The hole that went from Whately sends
their complyments to you and all the rest that inquire after
them, aspeshally to the girls. So no more at present.

I remain your well wisher,

ABEL SCOTT.

I desire to be remembered to Mr. Eleazer Frary and to his
frow, and let them know that I am well."

I have a letter written by Paul Belden, who was in Capt.
John Burke's company, expedition to Canada, 1759, one hun-
dred and forty years ago :

Camp at Albany, May 29, 1759.

loving brother and sister after my love to you and your
children hoppin thes lynes will find you in good helth as tha
leav me through the goodness of God and some of our men have

326

gon up the mohork river cutten. And when we shall march
from this place we dont no. We have mete a noufe and that is
STOod some butter and rise todav and thare wasaman shot to
deth for desartion which was a orfful site to se. And I would
ha\'e you remember me en your prays that god wold cep me
from all danger and return me en safety to my frinds and
quantans agan.

And I reman \-our loovin Brother and well Wisher

PAUIv BELDING.

(his hand)

ESCAPE OF SERGEANT O'COXXELL.

Among the soldiers in the 27th Regt of Infantry were a
number of Whately boys, prominent among them Bartholomew
O'Connell. He was killed at the battle of Southwest Creek, 8
March, 1865, while in conjmand of his company, being then the
ranking sergeant. The commissioned officers were either
wounded or away on detached service. Bartie, as we all knew
him, was a bright, scholarly boy and a general favorite in
Whately.

He was taken prisoner at Drury's Bluff in Virginia, in
1863. The prisoners were placed in a freight car and started
for Andersonville, Ga. After they left Augusta, Ga., Sunday,
29 May, 1863, Sergt. O'Connell set to work with others to cut a
hole through the bottom of the car with the view of escaping.
There was a guard of three confederate soldiers in the car, but
a number stood up so as to screen them from the view of the
guard and they worked diligently. They succeeded in getting
the hole large enough to let a man through when they stopped.
Three of them slipped out and escaped to the woods, his com-
panions being Corporal Brizee and Private Taylor. The plan
they first formed was to strike north towards Nashville, Tenn.,
distant fully 350 miles. They traveled nights and la}- concealed
da^'s. They were fed by the black men who would not take a
cent from them, but were only too glad to help them. It was
May 29th when they escaped and June 16 they reached the
coast and were taken on board of one of our gun-boats, "The
Winona," and taken to Port Royal, S. C, where they were
cared for by Admiral Dahlgren and b\^ him sent to Philadelphia,
and through the kindness of friends were enabled to reach their
homes. We have the history of their escape from Bartie, and
Corporal Brizee furnished an account to the historian of the
regiment.

327

Among his Whately companions were Andrew M. Weth-
erell, brought up by Elbridge G. Cx-afts. He died at Anderson-
ville 20 Aug., 1864, aged twenty-five years; and Patrick Mur-
phy, a fine young Irishman, who worked for the writer. When
my son, Irving B. Crafts, and Andrew M. Wetherell enlisted
Pat said "If the boys are going I'll go too." Hedied at Ander-
sonville 16 March, 1865.

TsTO other of Whately's soldiers died at Andersonville. viz.,
John Brown, Jr.. who was in the 57th Regt., taken prisoner and
died 12 Oct., 1864, leaving a widow and two or three children.
He was born in Whately in 1820 ; and Edgar Howard Field,
an adopted son of Paul W. Field, who was in the jjtli Regt..
captured at the battle of the Wilderness 6 May, 1S64, died 15
Aug., 1864. My son, Irving B., was discharged for disability
in 1863 and so escaped this imprisonment as he was in the
same company the bulk of whom were captured.

THE GREAT SWAMP DRAIN.

The Great and General Court authorized Governor Hutch-
inson to appoint a board of commissioners to take charge of the
work of constructing the great drain and apportion the tax on
the proprietors of the land benefitted in the so-called Great
Swamp in Hatfield and Deerfield. (The drain extended into
that part of Deerfield that was annexed to Whately. )

The first rate or tax made bore date 21 Aug , 1770. From
the size of the tax it is presumed but little had been done before
this date. We find the amount assessed to one of the proprie-
tors, Nathaniel Hawks, 21 Aug , 1770, was i^ 9s 5d if : at a
subsequent time, to wit, 12 xApril, 1774, 6£ is gd 2f. This he
refused to pay and the collector, John Waite of Whately, levied
on nine acres of land west of the road by the Barnard place,
being lot No. 8 now held by Noah Dickinson's heirs. The col-
lector made a lease of this lot for nine hundred and ninety-nine
years to Capt. Oliver Shattuck, the said Shattuck yielding and
paying therefor to the said Hawks "One pepper corn" annuall}'
as the rental for the same.

It is not known that anything further was done on the drain
after 1774 until 1795, this time under authority of the state of
Massachusetts. At this time the old drain was cleaned out.
enlarged and new lateral ones opened. The commissioners for
this last work were Gad Smith, Gideon Dickinson and William
Tryon of South Deerfield, the work being finished 12 Sept.,
1799. I will copy an account from their books: Martin Graves

328

is credited for labor done in Great Swamp Drain, by clearing out

g2-'i rods at Sd. ^3 is lod
7S rods at gd, 2 18 06
44, rods at 3 ^4 d 1 2 i o

^6 13s 2d

We have the names of Da\'id Graves, Reuben Crafts, Lieut.
Zebadiah Graves, Azoniah Cooley, 'Squire Cooley, Eliakim
Ames. Capt. Abner Cooley, Lieut. Elihu McCall. Rev. Rufus
Wells, Perez \\'ells, Samuel Marsh. James Hale, Eber AUis.
Elisha Belden. Asa Bardwell, Benjamin Parker, Moses Crafts,
Graves and Seth Crafts and twelve or fifteen others who all
worked and earned from one pound to six or eight pounds.
The number of rods dug was 3,810^4, or 11 miles, 29034, rods,
making a cost in all of ;/^i58 i8s 3d, the average cost per rod
being a trifle over ten pence. Probably ^he owners of the land
were allowed to work out their proportion of the tax. There
were many branch drains. These facts are gained from the
book kept by the commissioners and are deemed perfectly reli-
able. I have an extended copy of their account.

The section of land still known as Great swamp extends
into Hatfield, through Whately into South Deerfield, about
four miles north and south, and before it was drained from
about fifty rods to near a mile in width. What is now known
as the North swamp, above Christian lane, was the widest and
furnished much the largest amount of water. This was mostly
carried off by what we call Little river. The South Great
swamp had its outlet near Egypt road, and it crosses Claverack
road, and the hills on each side have always been known as
Great swamp hills. The drain enters Mill river, near the Hat-
field line, on the Gad Crafts farm.

CHAPTER XIX.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

A meeting- of the citizens of Whately was held May i, 1871,
to take some action relative to the celebration of the centennial
of our town ; Capt. Seth Bardwell presided, and Levi Ford was
secretary. It was voted unanimously "That we observe the
town's centennial anniversary on the Fourth of July next." It
was voted to choose a committee of twelve, two from each school
district, to solicit funds and make all necessary arrangements for
the celebration, and the following persons were chosen as the
committee :

Southwest district, Capt. Seth Bardwell and Edwin Bardwell ;
Northwest district, David Scott" and Hiram Bardwell;
North centre district, Elon C. Sanderson and Walter Crafts;
South centre district, Francis G. Bardwell and James M. Crafts;
Southeast district, Elihu Belden and Charles F. Pease;
Northeast district, Edward C. Sanderson and Silas White Allis.

At a subsequent time the committee organized by choosing
Capt. Seth Bardwell chairman and Elon C. Sanderson as secre-
tary. Voted. "To raise by subscription S500 to pay the neces-
sary expenses of the celebration," and the following sub-com-
mittees and officers were appointed :
Treasurer. Dennis Dickinson;
Committee on correspondence. James M. Crafts;
Committee on location, Edward C. Sanderson, Walter Crafts^

Francis G. Bardwell ;
Committee on music, Edwin Bardwell, Capt. Seth. Bardwell,

Walter Crafts ;

330

President of the day, Elihu Belden, Esq. ;

^'ice presidents, James M. Crafts, John Chapman Sanderson,

Esqs. ;
Chief marshal, Capt. Seth Bardwell ;

Assistant marshals, Lieut. Henr\- Brown, Francis G. Bardwell;
Toast masters, Rev. J. W. Lane, William H. Fuller, Esq.

The committee on selection of a suitable place for the hold-
ing- of the gathering reported that the beautiful maple grove on
the farm of Seth B. Crafts could be had, and their report was
accepted by the committee. This is on the original Thomas
Crafts farm (the writer's great-grandfather), where he settled in
1 75 1. It was, and still is, a beautiful location. Great interest
was manifested by our people, and from the first success was
assured.

The day was beautiful and the crowd of people that surged
into the fine, shady grounds was in ever}^ way gratifying to all
that had labored so constantly to make it a success. .Descend-
ants of many families were present to add something to the glad-
some time. We had the pleasure of meeting and greeting
friends from Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York,
New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Canada. The neigh-
boring towns furnished many hundreds ot interested visitors, all
intent upon listening to the many interesting as well as eloquent
speeches that were made.

A large platform was erected for the speakers and invited
guests, and seats were arranged for about three thousand peo-
ple. The aged people, who were present in large numbers, had
reserved seats directly in front of the speakers. There were
some present who had passed their four score and ten years.
The large audience was regaled with lemonade and a substan-
tial collation, with more than twelve baskets left. Indeed, the
whole thing was a success.

We would be pleased to present many of the speeches, as
well as the beautiful poem written by Rev. Rufus P. Wells, but
our limit forbids, so we will only reproduce the opening speech
by Elihu Belden, Esq. This was preceded by the singing of
America by the entire audience led by the bands, and a prayer
by Rev. John W. Lane. Then Esquire Belden gave the open-
ing address of welcome :

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

It has fallen upon me as a representative of the descendants
of one of the earliest .settlers in this town, and in behalf of its

331

citizens, to extend to you to-day our kindly greetings ; and I
assure you that I but express the feelings of all our hearts when
I bid you a cordial welcome. We welcome you to the old
homesteads and all that is left to remind you of bygone years.
We welcome you to our firesides and all that is new. We wel-
come you to the festivities and associations of this our hundredth
birthday.

Some feelings of sadness will mingle with our joys on an
occasion like this, as we look around and miss familiar faces;
as we recall the past, which returns not, and recount the perils
and hardships of our ancestors, when these now pleasant fields
and meadows were almost a wilderness. And yet we come as
dutiful children, with our votive offerings of affectionate remem-
brance. And there is a special fitness, which I need not take
pains to set forth at length, that we, their descendants, should
gather ourselves together on this centennial anniversary of the
incorporation of the town, to testify our admiration of their vir-
tues, to review the scenes and deeds of their eventful lives, and
unite in commemoration services, which may transmit their
names to the generations yet to come who will occupy the places
now allotted to us.

We can speak with pride and gratitude of those great-grand-
fathers and great-grandmothers, those grandfathers and grand-
mothers, those fathers and mothers, who toiled and struggled
for us; who dared the onsets of savage warfare, endured the
privations of frontier life and made any required sacrifices in
order to secure for us the inheritance we now enjoy.

We welcome with feelings of peculiar interest those who
were once our citizens or children of our citizens, who have
come from the more distant parts of our land and from the
Queen's dominions, to keep jubilee with us to-day. We extend
to you the right hand of fellowship ; we receive you with a
happy greeting, and rejoice that your prosperity in your new
homes has not extinguished your interest in your old native
town.

We welcome the citizens of Hatfield, and are especially
glad that our mother town has not forgotten us, and we hope to
prove to you that we are proud of the relationship.

We welcome the citizens of Williamsburg, our sister town,
"Twinned at a birth."

We welcome all who share with us common memories and
kindred blood.

■ 332

May God grant that the impressions received here to-day
from our rehearsals of the past, our common offerings upon the
old home altars and our rekindled hopes may but strengthen
the cords that bind us together and make us better friends,
neighbors and citizens.

But it is not well for me (even if I could) to occupy more of
your time. We have those present who are capable of holding
your silent attention at their will, and whose words of wisdom
you are waiting to hear."

CHAPTER XX.

SECRET ORDERS.

There has been for many years a few of our citizens con-
nected with orders of Free Masons and likewise of the Odd Fel-
lows, and I deem it of sufficient importance to give, so far as I
can, the names of such members as I can recall as belonging to
either of these orders. First, we will give those of the Free and
Accepted Masons, and as far as I can, will give the year they
were initiated :

Peter Clark, 1796,
Asa Frary, rst, 1797,
Elijah Allis. 1797,
Selah Munson, rSoi,
David Stockbridge, 1800,
Zebina Bartlett,
Capt. Salmon Graves,
Deacon James Smith,
Rev. John R. Goodnough,
Chester Brown,
Jonathan Smith, iSiS,
Austin Allis,
Dr. Richard Emmons,
Elijah Sanderson,
David Sanderson,
Dr. Francis Harwood,
Hubbard S. Allis, 1S46,
Martin Crafts. 1843,
Justin R. Smith, 1866,

James M. Crafts, 1S69,
Thomas S. Dickinson,
Myron Brown, Nov., 1S70,
William H. Fuller,
W. I. Fox,
Albert S. Fox,
Miles B. Morton,
Euther W. Clark,
C. H. Stockbridge,
Edwin T. Smith,
Joseph L. Smith,
John C. Faulkner,
Dr. J. D. Seymour,
Rev. E. B. Fairchild,
William B. Orcutt.
W. W. Sanderson,
Freeman A. Crafts,
Charles E. Crafts,
George E. Sanderson,

334

Dwiglit L. Dickinson, iS66, \'ictor D. Bardwell.

L. L. Eaton, rS6S,

During the excitement growing out of the alleged abduc-
tion of William Morgan. Jerusalem lodge at Northampton,
thousrh it did not surrender its charter, vet in accord with the
demands of the Anti-masonic party, suspended its meetings at
Northampton, yet the members continued to hold meetings, in
connection with their brethren from Greenfield and adjoining
towns, at \Miately at the hotel of David Stockbridge in his hall,
where the insignia painted on the walls is still visible. This
was soon noised abroad, and then they had a commodious room
fitted up in the two-story house of Capt. Salmon Graves, on the
site of the present house of C. A. Graves. I have seen both of
these places of meeting, and there is also similar insignia on
these walls. After the excitement had in a great measure
abated the various lodges were reopened and, for a wonder, are
very popular, and the Connecticut river still flows on as
peacefully as of >-ore.

In consequence of the violent and unreasonable opposition
raised to Masonry Rev. John R. Goodnough, pastor of the Bap-
tist church in Whately-, was compelled to renounce Masonry or
leave the fellowship of the churches, and he decided to retain
his connection with the Masons and his personal independence.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows organized lodges at
Greenfield and Northampton. Nonotuck, No. 6i, was insti-
tuted in Northampton, ii March ,1845; Pocomptuck, No. 67,
perhaps two years later; Alethian, No. 128, 13 Sept., 1848,
at Shelburne Falls.

These lodges became at once popular and quite a number
of our citizens joined them, mostly Nonotuck, No. 61. I will
give a list of the names, as fully as I can, of Whately citizens :

Col. R. B. Harwood, "1 George W. Moore,

Samuel Lesure, I Rufus M. Swift,

Josiah Allis, | ^j| Samuel C. Wood,

Samuel B. White, r before George E. Wood,

E. H. Woods, I 1847. Micajah Howes,

J. R. Smith, ! Ryland C. Howes,

James M. Crafts, J Charles A. Coville,

Edwin Bardwell, Leander F. Crafts,

Paul W. Field, Charles R. Crafts,

Salma \Y . Field, Edmund B. Crafts,

Charles H. Field, Henry S. Higgins,

335

Charles E. Bardwell, John C. Field,

Hiram Bardwell, Nelson H. Damon,

Edgar M. Bardwell, Selah Smith Graves,

Lyman A. Munson, Hubbard S. Allis, 1S41.
Henrv J. Hoar,

REMINISCENCES.

Sometimes the memory of old times will impress me with
some curious scenes that used to occur in the old meeting-house
at Whately, and I seem to see clearly the old-time faces that
were then so familiar to me. As I think over these incidents I
seem to live over again the scenes that then impressed them-
selves upon my mind. Seventy-four years ago I was a bo>" of
eight years of age and my parents, having great confidence in
me that I should behave myself properly, allowed me to occupy
a seat in their pew in the gallery, but didn't want me to sit be-
hind the singers, as it was called, where a good many mischiev-
ous young men and boys congregated.

Then people, old and young, went to meeting forenoon and
afternoon and often at five o'clock unless the day was extremely
unpleasant. In warm weather the boys went barefoot and the
men, if they took a coat, carried it on their arm often not put-
ting it on during the day. Wagons were not as plentiful as
now and many walked two or three miles, carrying their shoes
and stockings in their hands until they were near the meeting-
house, and when going home they would take them- off again
and walk home barefoot.

But what we have to relate has to do with some of the
scenes enacted in the church. The singers' seats comprised a
double row of seats on three sides of the gallery. The singers
occupied the east side of the gallery facing the pulpit, while the
other seats on the south side were filled with young men and
boys, and the north side by young ladies and girls. It is need-
less to say that various flirtations were in progress between the
boys and girls, to say nothing of laughing and giggling, snap-
ping apple seeds and throw-ing apple cores and other missiles.
If they failed to reach across the 30-foot space they would fall
upon the older people on the ground floor. To keep order
among the young bloods of both sexes one or more tything
men were among the singers. The particular one of which I
shall speak was Deacon James Smith, a really pleasant man,
but he fully understood his business. He was a large man of

33^

over two hundred pounds avoirdupois, with long, bushy ej-^e-
brows and sharp eyes that would faixly flash when with his
great hand he would rap on the counter with a force that was
easily heard all over the house, and with a scowl on his face, he
would point at the disturbers who would most generally sub-
side. If not, he would march in among them and by his pres-
ence overawe the mischief makers. I well recollect one Sun-
day, the latter part of September, some seven or eight tough,
roistering young fellows occupied the pew adjoining the one
where I sat. To reach our pew one step up was needed and
the next one two steps up, fully eighteen inches. These boys
had been down into Parsons Wells' orchard and filled their
pockets with apples and when the ser\'ices commenced they be-
gan to munch the apples and "whiz" would go a core
across to the girls on the north side of the gallery. They had
taken off the door to the pew and had laid a board across in
front from the sides of the seats. This they had weakened so
that it wouldn't bear the weight of an ordinary-sized man for a
purpose. They laughed, whispered and threw the apple cores,
all the more lively as the deacon's rapping became louder. At
last the deacon arose and came with thunderous tread and
mounted into the pew, and every eye was on him to see what
would happen. He had straddled over the board and plunked
himself down ; the board broke and he fell backward into the
aisle, striking on his head and shoulders, making things jar.
His fall caused much laughter, but not dismayed he regained
his feet and marched into that pew, the boj^s making a seat for
him, even without his demanding it. Everybody laughed, and
even the good old dominie could with difl5culty restrain an out-
burst at the grotesque figure cut by the pious old deacon, but
you may safely bet your last sixpence that you never saw a pen
of lambs that were any more quiet than were these fun-loving

chaps.

Tything men were endowed with constabulary powers, and

at an earlier day used to be armed with a pole four or five feet

long, with some feathers tied on one end, and when one of the

tired old ladies fell asleep and was making too much noise in

her open-mouthed respirations, the tything man would use the

feather end to tickle her face and thus awaken her, and the

other end was used to arouse some old man if he snored too

loud.

Jeremiah Waite, an uncle of mine, was chosen to the high

position of a tything man of Whately. He had Levi Graves

337

arrested for using these wicked and profane words following,
that is to say : "God damn you, to the great displeasure of
Almighty God, against good morals and good manners, against
the peace of the said Commonwealth, contrary to the form of
the statute in such cases made and provided," dated at Whately
13 April, 1826. Two days later he was arrested and arraigned
for the crime. The trial was held and the aforesaid Levi
Graves was acquitted.

A few vears before this, while good old Nathaniel Coleman
and his excellent wife were seated on the back oi his faithful,
old black mare, going to meeting, it seems that Jacob Mosher,
the cooper, was drawing some water and the pole turning on the
pin made a loud< screeching noise. This so shocked their pious
sensibilities that he went to see Benjamin Cooley, the tything
man, and ordered him to notify Mr. Mosher that if he didn't
grease his well sweep and stop that unearthly noise he would
have him arrested. Suffice it to say that a ladder was procured
and the ofifending well sweep was duly aniiointed.

CEMETERIES.

These cemeteries were early located in Whately. That in
the center of the town is on the west side of Chestnut Plain
street at or near the top of Gutter hill. Most of the land is
measurably free from stone and is of a light gravelly soil, while
the north part is underlaid with stiff clay which is retentive of
moisture. This is more particularly true of the northeast
corner which has now been underdrained with tile and is
largely available for the purposes of burial. This has been en-
larged by the addition of land purchased from the farm of Ches-
ter K. Waite and son at two different times. These additions
have been made by .private enterprise by parties who desired a
lot for family use.

The town has made liberal appropriations for the fencing
and care of cemeteries, and chooses a set of commissioners to
keep the grounds in order. This dates back somewhere near
1880, as near as I can estimate it. Quite a number of our citi-
zens in this way get excellent lots. About 1S75 Rev. John W.
Lane commenced agitating the subject of arranging the ground
by setting over very many of the headstones so as to conform to
plans of the ground furnishing suitable walks between the head-
stones, thus giving easy access to every part of the older portion
of the grounds where it seemed as though everyone only cared

33S

for one's own self. Great credit is due to Mr. Lane for his ad-
mirable work in this cemetery. It had the effect to induce the
town to do what they have since done under the leadership of
Leander F. Crafts, who is the sexton as well as the chairman of
the board of commissioners. Mr. Crafts fully understands the
subject of improxnng the grounds. Since the work done by
Mr. Lane, verj- many costly monuments have been placed in
the cemetery.

The Eastern cemetery is located on the south side of the
road leading from the Straits to the River road, just at the top
of Hopewell hill, and east from Bartlett's corners. For some
years Mr. David Ashcraft has had the control of this cemetery,
and under his able super\-ision the grounds have always had a
cleanlv, tidv look, showing that thev have been well cared for.
The soil is easil}' handled, wholl}' free from .stone, dr}- and well
adapted to the purpose for which it is used, and the small sum
appropriated by the town serves, with the assistance of the good
people, to keep it in a creditable condition. Probably the first
one buried here was Joseph Sanderson whose headstone is dated
20 March, 1772.

The Western cemetery is on the east side of Poplar Hill
road south of the Isaiah Brown farm. This too is a well kept
ground. It is largeh- free from stone and boulders, easy of dig-
ging and dry. It shows intelligent care of its grounds, and is
in evidence that the monej' furnished by the town for its care is
used to good advantage. The oldest headstone is that of Cla-
rissa Bardwell, a daughter of Lieut. Noah Bardwell, who died
15 Dec, 1776. It has been claimed that Miss Charity Brown,
who died 24 Nov., t8oo, aged forty years, was the first adult
person buried there. This can't be true, as Mrs. Ezra Turner
died 7 Jan., 1777, aged thirty-five years, Peter Train 21 Jan.,
1793, and full}' seven or eight others before Miss Brown.

The oldest grave in the Central cemetery is that of Esther
(Bardwell), wife of Daniel Morton, who died 27 Oct., 1762,
while the oldest headstone is that of Jemima, wife of Captain
Lucius Allis, who died 9 June, 1S64.

We can but commend the liberality of the town hot only
for the present care of the grounds of all the cemeteries, but for
providing a good, substantial tomb for the use of the whole town
during the severities of our winters, and affording a suitable
hearse and biers for the accommodation of our people in giving
suitable service for the burial of our dead.

339

The first hearse was given to the town in 1S24 by the heirs
of Deacon Thomas Sanderson. This Deacon Sanderson had
ordered, but he died before its completion.

LONGEVITY.

In looking over the list of marriages where the couple had
lived together over fifty years we find the following:

Allis, Elijah and Electa, 59 years ;

Allis, Deacon Russell and Sarah, 57

Bacon, Benjamin and Rebecca, 61

Bardwell, Lieut. Noah and Lucy, 60

Bardwell, Spencer and Sophia, 60

Bardwell, Ebenezer and Sarah Tute, 58

Bartlett, Zebina and Demis, 59

Belden, Joseph and Margaret, 5'S

Brown, Edward and Hannah, 62

Brown, George and Almira, 63

Chauncey. Richard and Elizabeth, 61

Crafts, Thomas and Sarah, 61

Crafts, Thomas and Mehitable, 57

Dickinson, Eurotus and Sarah, 68

Dickinson, Jehu and Eleanor, 54

Dickinson, Abner and Sarah, 62

Frary, Isaac and Sarah, 59

Graves, David Sr. and Abigail, 61

Graves, David Jr. and Mary, 50

Graves, Matthew and Hannah, 53

Graves, Deacon Oliver and Rebecca, 56

Graves, Oliver Jr. and Abigail, 58

Graves, Spencer and Lura, - 54

Graves, Edward and Elizabeth, 56

Graves, Lyman and Electa, 58

Lesure, Samuel and Lucy, 55

Loomis, J. C. and Electa, 54

Mather, Capt. Benjamin and Abigail, 54

Morton, Justin and Esther, 67

Morton, Consider and Mercy, 64

Morton, Randall and Crissa A., 59

Morton, Joel and Violet, 53

Munson, Reuben and Sibyl, . 60

Robinson, Hiram and Sophia, 53

340

Scott, Phineas and Rhoda,
Smith, Elisha and Sarah,
Smith, Bezaliel and Levinia,
Stiles, Capt. Henr\' and Ruth,
Waite, John and Harriet,
Wells, Perez and Elizabeth,
Wells, Calvin and Thankful,
White, Capt. Salmon and Marj^
Wood, E. H. and Sarah,

67 years ;

57
50

65
60

65
57
55
61

In all forty-seven couples with some who came to town and
whose dates of marriage we did not obtain. Mr. Temple only
mentioned three couples.

WOLF KILLED.

In I So I Reuben Crafts and two other hunters killed a wolf
towards the south-west part of Whately . It had been heralded for
some days that a wolf was thought to be about in this region.
The snow was very deep, but they brought the old rascal to the
center and exhibited it at the store of Lemuel and Justus Clark
which stood where now is the garden of Porter Wells, south ot
his house. The hunters received a bounty of ten dollars.

CHAPTER XXI.

I regret very much that the following beautiful article, de-
scriptive of the Glen, could not have been received earlier, but
as the printing has progressed while we have waited, so we
assign it to the best place that is at our disposal, and we are
only too glad to give our readers the beautiful article by our
noble townswoman. Miss Laura A. Sanderson, the gifted poet
of Indian Hill.

WHAT ELY.

She lies across fair lengths of meadow land,
And on the hills where earth and heaven meet

She lays her head — while like a gleaming band
The river moves majestic at her feet.

No stored wealth is hers, no world-wide fame —
And yet she holds our hearts where'er we roam ;

And prince of comrades, whatso'er his name,
Who says in greeting, "Whately is my home."

Situated on the western slope of the Connecticut Valley
about two miles north of Whately village, is a broad plateau
midway up the mountain side, which is known as Indian Hill.
The point of its location, opposite the abrupt termination of the
Pocumtuck range, renders the view unsurpassed. It includes
the great lake basin whose outlet was the narrow pass between
Mt. Tom and Mt. Holyoke. while across the meadow and be-
yond the intervening band of the Great Swamp woods runs the
old Indian trail from the fort of Umpanchala, at Hatfield, to
Sugar Loaf or Mt. Wequomps. It was to the broad level of

342

this western plateau and the mountain solitudes above, that the
Indians, crowded from their valley hunting grounds, made their
last camp. The Roaring brook swarmed with trout and the
heavily timbered heights were a natural game preser\'e which
amply supplied their simple needs.

Into this sylvan solitude the white man came, and in the
mouth of the gorge where the brook first flashes into the sun-
lighi he built a rude mill, catching the rushing waters in a little
lake upon whose ancient bed the city now enjoys its lunch at
the picnic tables, l^he site of the dwelling house hard-by is
still noticeable. Here came the settlers on horse-back or in
their rude farm wagons, bringing the grain of their own raising ;
ai:d the Indians brought their scanty harvest also aud begged
srrain of the kind-hearted miller.

In later years a dam was laid across the stream farther
down, and a saw and gristmill under one roof were built. The
old-fashioned up-and-down saw was a wonder in its day and
played a prominent part in furnishing lumber for the houses of
those early times. Hidden in a hollow of the hills, the roaring,
hurrying brook became a tranquil lake over whose grassy banks
the trees leaned to watch their own reflection in its crystal
depths. At its outlet the escaping waters ran their course
through the racewav of the mill. The noisv stream was well
known to the Sanderson children who played in its clear waters
on scorching summer days and went fishing in the spring and
fall. They called it "up the brook." But the beauty of the
place, with its grandeur of primeval forest whose mighty mon-
archs stretched their giant arms high over the long vista of
foaming waters, remained unnoticed.

In 1836 there came to the town and was installed as pastor
of the little band of worshipers, the Rev. John Ferguson, a
strong and noble character, with the burr of Scotland upon his
tongue and the love of nature and nature's God in his heart.
"Priest" Ferguson his people called him, and his wise, forceful
and witty sayings are still remembered. The picture.sque scen-
ery of our rocky township was a reminder of his boyhood home
in far-off Berwickshire. The drive over Chestnut mountain and
the view from Dickinson's hill and the Old Oak were favorites
of his, and he was not long in discovering the roaring brook
with its wild and rugged surroundings for which he conceived a
deep and ardent admiration. He came again and again, bring-
ing his friends to enjoy the place, and it was he who first named
it "The Glen."

343 .

One of his daughters, ^Irs. Margaret Allen, was the hero-
ine of an almost fatal accident during one of these excursions.
While crossing the stream on the trunk of a fallen pine that
bridged the chasm, she slipped and fell upon the jagged rocks
below, escaping death as by a miracle. To reach the roadway
by following the brookside path was an impossibility, and by
almost superhuman exertion her senseless form was carried up
the precipitous bank, and she lives to tell the story to her chil-
dren's children who come from afar to visit the place and recall
its memories.

There are tragic tales too, of the old Conway road, where
just below Staddle hill a plain black headstone is inscribed :
"Killed on this spot by being throw-n from a wagon. Philo Bacon,
July, 1825." It was right against these ledges that the bruised
and lifeless body of the sturdy farmer was found.

One summer evening in the long ago, the family at the old
homestead heard the sound of a wagon lumbering along up the
hill and creaking past the house ; but they did not know that
the driver was dozing on the seat, nor that slow-going faithful
Dobbin had taken the old mill road and was wandering further
and further out of the way; past the tidy tiers of lumber;
past the piles of slab-wood and the gristmill door; past the
log-wav of the mill ; on a little further vet, over the bank
and down into the brimming pond. The horse, snorting and
terrified, turned instinctively in an effort to gain the shore, and
the luckless driver, wakened from a sound sleep by the over-
turning of the wagon, bewildered by the darkness and unable
to swim, struggled helplessly beyond his depth and sunk to rise
no more. The astonished miller found the horse the next morn-
ing, and suspecting the truth, drained the pond and recovered
the body.

In later times tragedy has given place to comedy, and
many the luckless one who has dried his garments over a broil-
ing fire on a hot July day, or gone home clad in make-shift
habiliments. It is recorded that several parties of girls who
went wading in the water above the upper falls, found their
shoes wholly unwearable and were forced to return past the pic-
nic grounds in barefoot procession, to the undisguised delight
of the camera fiend who happened to be^llong.

While occasional visitors sought the place, no effort was
made to render its delights accessible to the world at large until
i860, when Whately church installed as pastor a worthy sue-

344

cesser to the godh' men who had held the ofEce before him.
In full vigor of mind and body, with a keen perception oi artis-
tic values and a broad and comprehensive grasp on all practical
problems. Rev. John W. Lane was ready at all times to minister
not only to the spiritual, but to the material needs of the town.
In one of his numerous pedestrian trips he followed the course
of the rushing stream over the slippery- boulders and moss-
grown ledges into the depth and solitude of the silent forest,
and was charmed with the quiet beauty of the scene. He sought
to improve the place by clearing the path of brushwood and the
falls from its accumulation of debris, and being mindful of the
welfare of others in this as in all other things, he from time to
time persuaded photographers to visit the place and secure views.
These pictures given by him to many people and oftered for sale
by photographers at different places, caused the Glen to become
widely known and thus brought it to public notice.

In the early '70's the Glen was invaded by the enterprise of
the age. Roadways crept along the precipitous banks, bridges
stretched across the stream, logways climbed the mountain side,
and the mighty forest fell before the onslaught of steel and mus-
cle. The old mill was remodeled. New and improved machin-
ery took the place of slow-going methods. The whir of the cir-
cular saw was heard, the golden grain rode up to light in its
Aladdin-like elevator. Old times had passed away. The Glen
was a scene of devastation, with its shady sides bare to the blaze
of the sun, the swift-running stream choked with rubbish, the
paths filled with brush, and desolation everywhere. The Glen
passed through its Purgatory of neglect. Years went by and
nature, as ever heroic to conceal the scars of her wounds, made
haste to reclothe her rugged slopes and shelving banks. The
spring floods came swirling down the gorge. The massive tim-
bers of the bridges were loosened and swept away by the re-
morseless waters, and to-day only a faint trace of the winding
roadway remains, unused save as the denizens of the forest
wander down its \\'Oody ways on their nocturnal rambles-

Even the remodeled mill, with its marvel of machinery', is
but a picturesque ruin now, and the squirrels, who for genera-
tions held undisputed right to corners and crevices for the stor-
age of their winter food supply, revel in the situation and drop
saucy admonition and empt}' shells on the heads of those who
acamping come- The erstwhile brimming pond is a green
meadow thick covered with clover and buttercup blossoms,
through which the brook but hurries on its way.

345

In the autumn of 1884, Elbridge Kingsley, the painter-
engraver, came to the Glen with his sketching car. The first
and only artist to thoroughly understand the mystery of our
Indian summer haze and color, he found the hills alight with
royal welcome. Some of his most famous engravings were here
conceiv'ed, and many of his daring successes in color first blazed
along the banks of the stream. His fame in the world of art
and his wonderful personality have brought his disciples to the
place. Here too, came his brethren of the block and burin,
notably John P. Davis, pioneer and leader of the Society of
American Wood Engravers, and Gustave Kruell, the famous
portrait engraver. It is unquestionably to Artist Kingsley that
the great popularity of the Glen in late years is due. Of his
impressions of the place he says in poetic prose :

"Striving for hidden values is a condition of the human soul
in its earthly seeking for the infinite. The Creator dictates :
'My best is in the depths of the sea, in the fastness of the rock,
in the floating summer cloud, beyond the reach of all but your
highest aspirations.'

"Mankind longs for the ideal resting place while in the
turmoil of practical life. The Connecticut Valley is rich in such
refuge from the eternal grind, and nature spreads abroad the
meadow carpet, the sylvan groves of elm and maple in the
valley, digs the rocky glen in the mountains as invitation for the
weary soul to rest from the heat and dust and seek once more
the unknown beyond.

"Like unto a dragon's mouth is the gorge at Whately Glen,
and the dragon guards the fairy- fountain while it weaves gar-
lands of fancy for the generations that come and go along its
borders.

"The winter frosts build wonderful palaces of the overhang-
ing mists among the bending evergreens, in springtime the
opening buds dance a unison with the colors of the rainbow,
and when summer merges into autumn a gorgeous phalanx of
maples comes trooping down from the blue to be reflected in the
mirror-like pools-

"But it is so restful, so peaceful, to sit in the cooling shad-
ows of the mountain at sunset and look for miles down the smil-
ing valley. Softly the light steals awa}' over the hill. Gloom
gradually settles over the beautiful vision and blackness issues
from the mouth of the Glen. Soon naught is left but the light
of the stars and the murmur of falling waters on the evening air.

346

"Long may the rocky dragon guard the fair>' fountain at
Whately Glen for the happiness of future generations of men. '

And as here in the grim solitude of the rugged steep, deep
in the heart of the hills, we find this rhythm of poesy rippling in
its wondrous cadence from rock to rock on its waj^ to an oblivion
in the immensity of ocean, so underneath the sometimes for-
bidding exterior of the true old-time New Englander we find
deep in the heart a love of beauty, a passion for art, a lofty con-
ception of true ideals, that are a revelation to those who have
never discovered the breadth, the depth and the fineness of
character exemplified by our best types of Puritan descent-
The superficial obser\'er might cross the hills a hundred times
and never find the Glen.

The message of the Glen is but the same that comes from
all our hills and valleys to the wanderers who have gone forth
into the busy world, and who as the river of Time broadens and
deepens, can hold their early associations only as a precious
memory. ^

The woodland path still runs by gate and bridge.
Beneath the trees deep shadows linger cool ;

The sheen of summer rests on rock and ridge,
The speckled trout lurks in the darkling pool.

And Nature ever reigns triumphant here,

To rich and poor her steadfast grace she shows, —

While round the circle of the flying year
Her carnival of seasons comes and goes.

Her message permeates the solitude ;

High on the hills her warning beacons burn ;
Her winds go wailing in the wayside wood,

"O children of mankind, return, return."

"Lay by your grief, forget your wrongs and ills,
Tear loose the thorns that hedge your onward way ;

Come to the consolation of the hills,

The earthly peace that God shall hold for aye."

1

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CHAPTER XXII.

THE SANDERSON HOMESTEAD.

Beneath the ancient roof-tree of the old farmhouse at Indian
hill four generations have come and gone — a sturdy, thrifty,
level-headed race, tracing their ancestry from Robert Sanderson,
master of the mint at Boston, who devised the Pine Tree shil-
ling. His descendant, Deacon Thomas Sanderson, Esq., one of
the first and foremost settlers of the town, owned and occupied a
broad tract of land running south from Sugar Loaf mountain
and extending from the Connecticut river to Conway line. This
was originally a part of Deerfield, but was annexed to Whately
through the influence of Deacon Sanderson. He selected Indian
hill as the best location and reser\'ed three hundred and fifty
acres for his homestead.

The original story-and-a-half house was built in 1769 and
remains intact, while each generation has added thereto. Dea-
con Thomas Sanderson at his death, divided the farm between
two of his sons, but his grandson, Elon Chester Sanderson,
bought back the property and also the farm on the south, thus
obtaining control of the hillside towards Whately, which he
cleared to secure a view of the town.

Elon Sanderson at his death, likewise divided the farm be-
tween his two sons, but the land has been bought back again
by his son, George Elon, who lives on the old farm.

The saw and gristmills, situated on Roaring brook, are on
his farm, as is also the famous Whately glen.

348

THE SUMMER RESIDENCE OF HON. T. P. BROWN.

This place was first occupied by Samuel Grimes, who built
about 1797, a large house that he used for his dwelling, a store,
and later as a hotel. He was succeeded by Leonard Looniis, a
nsphew of ]\Irs. Grimes, who continued the store for several
years in company with Rev. Dan Huntington and Edward
Phelps. About 1S50 Mr. Loomis sold off the front house and
built all new. About 1873 it was sold to Thomas Sanderson,
and it is now owned by Hon. Theophilus Brown of Toledo, O.,
as a summer residence. Of course there have been many
changes and improvements made by Mr. Brown, and every-
thing inside as out, shows a refined taste and a love of the
beautiful. The picture will show the much-appreciated trees
that afford such a luxur>' of shade.

RESIDENCE OF GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN.

This site was first occupied by the house of Moses Frary.
He came to Whately at a very early period and built a house
on the west side of the land left for the Chestnut Plain road even
before it was surveyed and permanently laid out, probably in
1750 to '55. He sold to Noah Coleman in 1753. He was born
at Hatfield in 1718, and married Lydia Waite, a granddaughter
of Benjamin" Waite. They had no children and adopted Seth
Frary, and he came into possession of the large estate. He was
a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He sold to John B. Morton,
who was followed by his son, Eurotus Morton, and he sold to
Elias B. McClellan, who was succeeded by his son, George B.
McClellan, who has entirely remodeled the house and barns.
It is now one of the best residences in town, surrounded as it is
by a wealth of trees and shrubbery all indicative of refinement
and love of the beautiful.

The fine house of John H. Pease, near the Whately station,
was built in 1867 by Chester G. Crafts, Esq- It is a beautiful
residence surrounded by beautiful shade trees, all indicating a
home of comfort and refinement.

THE CAPT. SALMON WHITE HOUSE.

In 1762 Capt. Salmon White built on the west side of
Chestnut Plain street, probably on lot No. 13 or 14, in the fourth
division of Commons, I think on No. 13 though he owned both,
and later acquired others, but 13 had been assigned to his father.
Salmon when he built in Whately, was thirty-one years of age,

349

and had married Marv- Waite, a daughter of Joseph and Mary
(Warntr) Waite, who was born in 1730. She was a remark-
able woman, famous as a successful practitioner of midwifen.-.
She presided at the birth of over one thousand children, riding
to all the adjoining towns. He was probably for many years
the most popular man in the new town. He was succeeded by
his son, Esquire John White, who was very prominent in town, ■
a shrewd business man and withal popular and much in office,
interested in evenv'thing calculated to advance the interest of the
town. This house was painted white about 1823 or '24. and
was the first one that I recollect. The baseboards were painted
a bright red. making a strange contrast, and remained so four
or five years when they were painted white. The next owner
was his oldest son, Luke Brown White, Esq., and then it came
down to Henry K. White and is now owned by his son. Henry
Kirk White, and his mother. It sets back from the street about
five rods and I have heard Esquire John say that there were
many trees east of the house and they used to capture many
partridges there.

All of these owners were well known to me except Capt.
Salmon. They were thorough-going, patriotic men, accustomed
to occupy a leading position in church and town. About 1S24,
I think, the large barn was struck by lightning and burned.
They had a large farm and were among our best farmers, as
well as citizens. While Capt. Salmon White was the chosen
and gallant leader of our citizen soldiery, occurred the Lexington
alarm, the call for troops at Bennington, Bemis Heights and
Saratoga, when Gen. Burgoyne surrendered his whole army.
All honor to the brave old patriot. Well may his descendants
cherish his memory.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE SELECTMEN OF WHATELY FOR THE YEAR 189S.

I feel just a bit diffident about expressing m}' feelings
relative to such dignitaries, but can find no legitimate way to
a^•oid it. Of course it would be eaiiv to write pages relative to
this group of officials, but I must take them one at a time and
sa}- a few words telling of his peculiar fitness for the place.
First let me say that they are all broad-minded, liberal, as well
as generous men, and well fitted for the position they so well
filled, and the town should be congratulated for selecting these
men to manage their affairs.

The chairman, Seth B. Crafts, is a model man for the place.
After getting the facts he never hesitates to indorse applications
wheri it is right and proper, or to say no when the circumstances
demand it, and is ever ready to give his reasons why he needs
to protect the interests of the town, while he always gives his
decisions so pleasantly that the petitioner goes away convinced
that a ju.st conclusion has been reached and the town's interests
subserved. Such men have usually business enough of their
own to attend to and really feel that the added burden is un-
desirable, yet from patriotic principles have allowed themselves
to be continued in office. I need hardly say that in his efforts
to consen'e the interests of the town he has been ably seconded
by those gentlemen ser\-ing on the board with him.

Willis F. Waite is a lineal descendant of Sergt. Benjamin
Waite and fits into the place he holds upon the board capitally.
He is a careful, frugal farmer with a good stock of brain power,

i5i

modest, gentlemanly, always ready to listen to the claims of
those who approach him in reference to town affairs, weighs
carefully the statements and decides in accordance with his
convictions, and no one has reason to complain of his manly
action. Liberal in politics and religion, free from bigotry and
superstition, really an excellent citizen : honest and above board
in his life's work.

Of Lemuel F. Graves we can say nothing to detract from
the high e.steem in which he is held. It seems as though everv
impulse of his generous nature is indicated by his splendid por-
trait. He is one of the most thrifty of our farmers, industrious,
frugal, as well as persistent in following up his plans for im-
provement. He gets out of the old ruts and works on the lines
of progress, while I may say he is a careful instead of a sharp
man for he weighs well the laws that govern trade and acts as
his convictions require, gentlemanly and courteously. He too
descends from ancestry of which he may well be proud. We
are glad to present the group in our work wiiich they as a unit
advised issuing.

GENEALOGIES.

ABBREVIATIONS.

Ae for aged; abt for about; Amh for Amherst;

Ash for Ashfield; b for born; bapt for baptized;

Ch for children; Con for Conway; d for died;

Dau for daughter; Dfld for Deerfleld; Gtid for Greenfield;

Had for Hadley; Hat for Hatfield; m. for married;

Xthn for Northampton; prob for probably; rem for removed;

Rep for representative; res for residence or resided;

Sund for Sunderland; unm for unmarried;

Yrs for years; Wh for Whately.

ABERCROMBIE, Robert, prob a son of Rev. Robert
Abercrombie of Pelham, a weaver by trade. He may have
been in the British army and possibly a deserter. Of this we
have only traditions. He is credited with building the Plyna
Graves house in Christian lane. He m (i) Elizabeth, dau of
Abiel Bragg of Wh, 28 Jan., 1779. She d and he m (2)
26 Jan., 1786. Thankful Bragg, a sister of his first wife. He
had rem to Chesterfield. Two ch :

William, bapt 19 March. 1780: Agnes, bapt 20 Oct., 178-2.

ABBOTT, LYMAN B., son of Joseph R. and Minerva
(Frary) Abbott of North Hat, b 9 Jan., 1843, m 3 July, r866,
Julia R., dau of Horace Waite. He was in the array in
the Civil war and a prisoner at Andersonville, Ga. After a
number of years they rem to Florence. No ch.

ADAMS, 354 ALLIS,

ADAMS, Alpheus A., son of Amos and Lucinda (Col-
man) Adams, b at Wilmington, Vt., 7 Oct., 1832. m 26 June,
1S69, Hattie L . dau of Edwin Gould, b 19 July, 1844. They
rem to \Vh in 1879. He d i March, 1895, ae 63 yrs. Was a
shoemaker. Two ch :
Hugh Elliot, b 29 May. 1873: Edwin Clark, b 2 April, 1878.

ALDEN, Barnabas, and wife Mehitable, came to Wh
from Plainfield. He was a lineal descendant from John xAlden
of Plymouth, d in Wh i April, 1830, ae 70 yrs. His wife d 23
Sept., 1847, ae 83 3'rs. Two ch :

Mehitable. b 1796. d iinm at Wh 13 Barnabas Gilbert, b prob at Plainfield
March, 1829. ae 33 yrs: no dates.

Barnabas G., son of Barnabas, b prob at Plainfield, m i^
Sept., 1835, Paulina, dau of Selah and Mary (Strong) Graves
of Wh, b4 April, 1799. They both d at Con I don't have the

dates. No ch.

ALLEN, Thomas, came from Connecticut before 1770,
lived on lot No. 13 in the second division of Commons just below
the Josiah Gilbert place in the Straits on the west side of the
roadway. The house was built by Benjamin Bacon. After a
few years they rem to Shelburne. Ch :

Daniel, b in Ct. 1759, d at Wh 12 Lydia, bapt at Wh 24 March, 1773;

March. 1772, ae 13 yrs: And there ^yere others whose names I

Lydia, b in Ct. iu 1702^^ d at Wh 11 don't know.

March. 1773. ae 11 yrs:

1 ALEXANDER, Joseph ", son of Joseph '\ Joseph ^
John '^ John '-, John ^, came from Had after 1790 and lived on
the Rufus Sanderson farm. He was of Scotch descent, b at Had

19 April, 1750, m (i) Sarah , no dates; m (2) 7 March,

1793, Hannah, dau of Nathan Waite of Wh. Nine ch :

Josiah. b 8 March, 1779, d in Dec. Polly, b 1792, d at Wh 2 Sept., 1796,

following : ae 4 yrs;

Lvdia, b 3 March. 1781, d 3 Sept., Elizabeth, b prob at Wh 11 Jan., 1794,

1781; d 21 Sept., 1796:

Thankful, b 30 Dec. 1783 ; Luther, b prob at Wh 8 April, 1797;

Polly, b 9 April, 1786. d 1 Dec, 1786; Calvin, b prob at Wh 1798; (2)

Levi, b prob at Wh abt 1800. (3)

2 Calvin, son of Joseph Ci), b prob at Wh 1798, m 17
Sept., 1829, Jane, dau of Orange Bardwell, b 27 Oct., 1801, rem
to Buckland.

3 Levi, .son of Joseph (i), was m and built the W. H.
Fuller place in Canterbury, now owned by John H. White.
Mr. Alexander rem from town soon after building his house.
He m Maria, dau of William and Tirza (Morton) Mather of
Wh. Maria was b after Mr. Mather rem to New York state.

1 ALLIS, William, came from England prob abt 1635.
Our first knowledge of him was when he took the Freeman's

"•«3'

355 ALLIS.

oath at Braintree 13 May. 1630. Perhaps it is well here to re-
mark that only such men as were members of the church were
allowed to take the Freeman's oath and as John Fiske says :
"It was decided no man shall be admitted to the freedom of
this body politic but such as are members of some of the
churches within the limits of the same " [Beo:innings of New
England pp 109.] On page 123 he says: "None but church
members should vote or hold ofEce." (I mention these facts as
showing the tendency of theageto have the privilege of a Free-
man to vote and hold office. ) To do this it was the first step to
join an orthodox church. Hence we find that William Allis
availed himself of these privileges, prob before his marriage.

He m (I) Mary , who d 10 Aug., 1677: (2) Mary, dau

of John Bronson and widow of John Graves, she was also the
widow of John Wvattof Haddam, Ct., before she m John Graves
of Hat. She m Lieut. William Allis 25 June, 1678, and after
his decease 6 Sept., 1678, she m Capt. Samuel Gaylord. She was
doubtless an attractive woman. Mr. Allis was quite prominent
at Braintree. Among other positions he held the office of
cornet or 2d lieutenant in the troop or mounted men, also had
the supervision of building a road from Boston to Providence.
About 1662 he rem to Hat where he was a leading citizen, a
trusted lieutenant of John Pynchon of Springfield, commissioner
to end small causes or minor law suits, often on advisorv- com-
mittees with such men as Peter Tilton and Lieut. Samuel Smith
when they were empowered to say who should be inhabitants of
Dfld, regulate the herding of cattle and swine, advise about the
institution of a church and getting a good orthodox minister,
etc.. etc. At 3 later date the Great and General Court ap-
pointed Lieut. William Allis, Thomas Meekins, Sr., Sergt. Isaac
Graves, Lieut. Samuel Smith, Peter Tilton and Samuel Hins-
dale to be a committee to act in all respects, to lay out the
farms, to admit inhabitants at Dfld. Garrisons were established
in various towns, that at Hat being made up of thirty-six men
under Lieut. William Allis, and he had much to do as com-
mander of a squad of soldiers in getting out timbers for fortify-
ing Hat in the winter of i677-'78. He d 6 Sept., 1778. Ch :

John, b 5 March, 1642; (3) William, b 10 Jan.. 16.i3, d Julv. 1653:

Samuel, b 24 Feb., 1647: (3) Hannah, b 1654. m 28 Jan.. 1670.

Josiah. b 1649, d 25 Oct., 1651: William .Scott :

Josiah, b 20 Oct.. 1651; (Of him I William, b 11 Oct., 1655. dli) May. 1076:
know no more.) Mary, b 1657. d unm 25 Feb., 1600.

2 C.\PT. John, son of William (i), b at Braintree 5
March, 1642, d Jan., 1691, m 14 Dec, 1669, Mary, dau of
Thomas Meekins and widow of Nathaniel Clark. She m (3)
Samuel Belden of Hat, res at Hat. Twelve ch :

Joseph, b 11 .Nov.. 1670. m Naomi
. He was killed by In-
dians 19 June, 1724:

Abigail, b 25 Feb., 1672, m Ephraira
Wells 23 Jan., 1696;

Hannah,

b

9 Oct..

1673,

m

Samuel

Butler;

Ichabod,

, b

10 July,

1675;

(4)

Eleazer,

b;

23 July,

1677;

(5)

ALLIS. 356

Elizabeth. 1) 4 April. 1(579. m James Rebecca, b 10 April, 1083, m 30 April.

Bridgmai) 18 Julv, 1704: ' 1702. Nathaniel Clraves of Hat;

Lvdia. b lo Aus:.. lliSO. d 31 Aug.. William, b IG May, 1684: (6)

l(j91: Nathaniel, b I680: (7)

John, b 10 May, 1()82. m (1) ^^aiy Maiy. b 2o Aug.. I(i87, d 20 April,

Lawrence, (2) Bethia Field; 1688.

3 Samuel, son of William (i), b 24 Feb., 1647, d 9 March,

1691, m Alice , She m (2) Sergt. John Hawks, res in

Hat. Seven ch :

Mehitable. b 2 Julv. 1677. m Benoni Mary, b 6 July, 1682. m Nathaniel

Moore, 13 Dec!, 1698; Brooks of Dfid. 3 Feb.. 1710;

Samuel, b 20 Feb., 1679, killed 29 Thomas, b 12 March, 1684. m Mehit-

P'eb.. 1704. battle of French and able :

Indians at Dfld; Sarah, b I680 :

William, b 19 Oct.. 1680, m Elizabeth Rebecca, b 29 Nov., 1687.

Davis:

4 ICHABOD, son ot Capt. John (2), b at Hat 10 July 1675,
d 9 Jul)'. 1747. m (i) 1698, Mary, dau of Samuel Belden, Jr., b
27 Aug.. 1679, d 9 Sept.. 1724; m (2) 25 Nov.. 1726, Sarah,
dauof Benjamin Waite and widow of John Belden. She was
captured and carried to Canada in 1677, res at Hat. Eight ch :

Abigail, b 28 Feb., 1700. m Nathaniel Samuel, b 12 Dec. 1705- (8)

"Smith of Sund: Sarah, b 11 Jau., 1708, m Joseph Mil-
Lydia. b 7 Jan.. 1702. m Daniel Dick- ler. 14 Nov.. 1734;

in.son of Hat. d 1737; Bathsheba. b 12 Jan., 1710, m Jona-
Martha, b 19 Nov.. 1703. m (1) John than Warner. 1734;

Wells of Hat, (2) Nathaniel Abel, b 21 July, 1714, m 14 Dec, 1735.

Hammond of Hardwick, (3) Miriam Scott;

Kellogg; Elisha. b 3 Dec, 1716. (9)

5 Eleazer, .son of Capt. John (2), b at Hat 23 July, 1677,
d Nov., 1758, ae 82 yrs, m (i) 17 March, 1720, Jemima dau of
John and Sarah (Banks) Graves of Hat, widow of John Graves
and mother of Deacon Nathan Graves of Wh, b at Hat 30 April,
1693, d 18 Feb., 1727; m (2) 14 Nov., 1734, Martha, widow of
John Crafts and dau of John and Sarah (White) Graves of Hat,
b4 Nov., 1689, d at Hat 5 June, 1780, res Hat. Two ch by
first wife :

Jonathan, b 22 June, 1723, m Submit, Eleazer, b 15 Dec, 1725. (10)
d abt 1797, no ch;

6 William, son of Capt. John (2), b at Hat 16 May,
1684. m 15 Dec, 1709, Mary, dau of Jacob Griswold, prob of
"Wethersfield, Ct., as he rem to that town and lived and d there.
Five ch :

Mar\-. b 22 Nov.. 1711. m Ebenezer Sarah, b 6 Oct.. 1715, m Ezekiel

Sanford ; Kelsey ;

Lydia, b 14 Sept.,. 1713, m John .Ann. b 1720, m Samuel Pike ;

Collins; . John, b 11 Sept., 1726, m Zerviah

Hart; one son, Abel, b 1740.

7 Nathaniel, son of Capt. John (2), b at Hat 1685, m
(i) 28 Nov., 1705, Mercy Dudley, who bore him twelve ch.

357

ALLIS.

She d 29 June, 1731 ; m (2) Elizabeth

Araonsr his twelve ch the seventh ch was :

-, res a Bolton Ct.

John, b at Bolton, Ct., 10 Nov., 1718.

(11)

8 Rev. S.\muel, son of Ichabod (4), b at Hat 12 Dec,
1705, d 16 Dec, 1796, ra 4 Nov.. 1729, Hannah, dau ot John
Sheldon of Dfid, b i Oct., 1707,

Julius, b 18 Sept., 1732, m Hannah
Dickinson, 14 Nov., 1755:

John and Jabez. (twins), b 12 Nov.,
1734; John, m (1) Sarah Burt,
(2) Esther Dwight; Jabez prob
d early :

■Samuel, b abt 1735. m 3 times, rem
to Martinsburg, X.